Phase weighting for linear antenna arrays

A novel method for introducing an amplitude taper onto a linear array is proposed, using equal amplitude elements with randomized phase reversals to create an effective taper. It is shown that the sidelobe level of a linear phased array (containing 100 or more elements) with equal element excitation can be reduced to -20 dB simply by reversing the current in selected elements. This could be used to reduce sidelobes when transmitting from an array of active elements, without the need for amplitude control in the elements.