Abstract:

To reduce the computational complexity of antenna radar cross section (RCS), and estimate the effects of element position errors on antenna RCS, a novel structural and scattering array factor (SAF) coupling model of active phased array antennas is developed. This model is derived by the element phase errors, which can greatly simplify the computational complexity of the array antenna RCS issues. And the integrated influence of the antenna element position errors on antenna gain and RCS is analyzed. The simulation results verify that an obvious RCS reduction of active phased array antennas could be implemented by reasonable enlargement of position tolerance of the array elements. On account of the coupling model, the radiation and scattering performances of active phased array antennas could be balanced by engineering to relax array antenna processing and install tolerances. With the premise of synthetic antenna performance ensurance, the difficulty of processing and development cost could be reduced.