Antenna array
Encyclopedia
Antenna array may refer to:
- Antenna array (electromagnetic)Antenna array (electromagnetic)An antenna array is a group of isotropic radiators such that the currents running through them are of different amplitudes and phases. These are radiators of electromagnetic frequency and energy. Antenna arrays are the solution to the problem defined as the limitations of operating a single antenna...
a group of isotropic radiators such that the currents running through them are of different amplitudes and phases - Interferometric arrayInterferometryInterferometry refers to a family of techniques in which electromagnetic waves are superimposed in order to extract information about the waves. An instrument used to interfere waves is called an interferometer. Interferometry is an important investigative technique in the fields of astronomy,...
of radio telescopes used in radio astronomyRadio astronomyRadio astronomy is a subfield of astronomy that studies celestial objects at radio frequencies. The initial detection of radio waves from an astronomical object was made in the 1930s, when Karl Jansky observed radiation coming from the Milky Way. Subsequent observations have identified a number of... - Phased arrayPhased arrayIn wave theory, a phased array is an array of antennas in which the relative phases of the respective signals feeding the antennas are varied in such a way that the effective radiation pattern of the array is reinforced in a desired direction and suppressed in undesired directions.An antenna array...
, also known as a smart antennaSmart antennaSmart antennas are antenna arrays with smart signal processing algorithms used to identify spatial signal signature such as the direction of arrival of the signal, and use it to calculate beamforming vectors, to track and locate the antenna beam on the mobile/target...
, an electronically steerable directional antenna typically used in RadarRadarRadar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
and in wireless communication systems, in view to achieve beamformingBeamformingBeamforming is a signal processing technique used in sensor arrays for directional signal transmission or reception. This is achieved by combining elements in the array in a way where signals at particular angles experience constructive interference and while others experience destructive...
, multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) communication or space-time coding - Directional arrayDirectional arrayIn broadcast engineering, directional array refers to an antenna array arranged such that the superposition of the electromagnetic waves produce a predictable electromagnetic field...
refers to multiple antennas arranged such that the superposition of the electromagnetic waves produce a predictable electromagnetic field. - Watson-Watt / Adcock antenna array the Watson-Watt technique uses two Adcock antenna pairs to perform an amplitude comparison on the incoming signal.