Patent ID: 8049661
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: G01S,H01Q

Abstract:
1. A method for generating a beam from an antenna, said method comprising the steps of: providing an array antenna including antenna transducing elements spaced at less than one-half wavelength, whereby the element-to-element phase shift defines visible and invisible regions for the antenna beam spatial pattern; applying uncompensated weights to signals of said antenna transducing elements of said array antenna when no antenna elements have failed, so as to provide a specified sidelobe level distribution; identifying at least one failed antenna transducing element of said antenna transducing elements; in the presence of said at least one failed antenna transducing elements, which degrade the sidelobe levels, applying compensated weights to said signals of said antenna transducing elements of said array antenna so as to place a principal portion of the degradation of said side lobe levels into said invisible region, whereby the side lobe levels within said visible region are maintained at said specified sidelobe level.