"David Harper" wrote in message
om...
I had a simple question in regards to phased array antenna patterns.
If a phased array is trying to send a narrow beam in a specific
direction, how do the other side lobes get reduced and/or eliminated?
Are the individual antenna transmitters/elements not omnidirectional
themselves? If not, what are the characteristics of their patterns?

I ask this because I'm trying to understand how tracking radars can
send narrow beams in the desired direction without significant
secondary lobes to interfere with returns from the desired lobe.

Thanks in advance for any insight!
Dave

Dave,

Actually phased arrays have existed in commercial broadcasting AM (day/night
patterns) as well as some FM.

The best way for you to visualize a phased array is to have 2, 3 or 4 stones
hit the water at the same time ....
you will see patterns emerge as cancellations happen.

http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlux/radio/antenna/phased/

http://mitglied.lycos.de/radargrundl...n/at18-en.html

Recent IEEE seminar
http://www.ieee-boston.org/edu/course_phased-array.htm

Hundreds of references available with a simple google search.

w9gb