Frequency Modulated Coupled Oscillator Arrays

A linear array of oscillators each connected to a radiator to combine output power of the oscillators in free-space can be used in order to scan the radiated beam electronically by controlling free-running frequencies of both end oscillators. We applied this technique to Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar to perform electronically beam scanning to detect angle information in addition to range and speed information of the target. A two-element coupled voltage controlled oscillator array with frequency modulation capability was constructed at 10.4GHz. The radiation beam could be scanned 24° continuously.