Radiation pattern synthesis for monopulse radar applications with a reconfigurable transmitarray antenna

We investigate here the capabilities of a 400-element reconfigurable transmitarray antenna to synthesize monopulse radiation patterns for radar applications in X -band. The generation of the sum (Σ) and difference ( Δ ) patterns are demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally for broadside as well as tilted beams in different azimuthal planes. Two different feed configurations have been considered, namely, a single focal source and a four-element focal source configuration. The latter enables the simultaneous generation of a Σ - and two Δ -patterns in orthogonal planes, which is an important advantage for tracking applications with stringent requirements in speed and accuracy. © 1963-2012 IEEE.