phased array antenna
Phased array antennas are antenna arrays consisting of several individual antennas arranged in a matrix, which can be individually controlled with different phase positions. Such an array has no fixed arrangement.
The antennas can be arranged in a line or column configuration or combined as a line and column arrangement. By controlling each individual antenna with a different phase position via a phase shifter, the radiation pattern and thus the directivity of the antenna array can be changed in microseconds without inertia. In addition, beamforming can be used to shape the directivity so that phased array antennas have multiple main lobes with higher radiated energy. On the other hand, the radiated electromagnetic waves can be beamformed to such an extent that the antenna characteristics are similar to that of a pencil beam antenna.
In phased array antennas, the far fields of the individual antennas superimpose to form an interference pattern; some accumulate in field strength, others compensate. The resulting radiation pattern can be swept by about 60° in all directions. In addition, with Adaptive Antenna Systems( AAS), it can follow the movement of the mobile subscriber.