A low-complexity low-cost phased array / M. Askari and H. Kaabi

A low-complexity low-cost structure is proposed for
phased array systems. It is shown that the change in the phase
reference of the antenna array leads to a less complexity system,
which is very essential for RFIC processes. There is no need to
use the bulky and lossy "gain control" circuits. Therefore, the
complex "magnitude tapering" algorithms, which are used to
reduce the sidelobes level of array patterns, are simply
implemented in the proposed structure. The phase shifters of the
proposed scheme are structurally simpler than those of the
conventional phased arrays. The comparison between the
proposed and the conventional phased array structures in such
areas as array pattern, tapering, and directivity is studied using
simulation.