Adaptive null steering by reflector antennas

The feasibility of peforming adaptive null steering by reflector antennas is investigated, and the results are reported. The implementation consists of an array of feed elements located in the focal region. The outputs of all the feeds are weighted in phase and amplitude and summed coherently. After deduction by a receiver, the signal passes to a digital algorithm computer where a decision is made as to how the weights should be adjusted, and interactive perturbational process continues until the system has arrived at an optimal weight combination. The configuration allows for multiple jammers and/or desired signals. Nulls on the order of 35 dB can be achieved with the basic limitation being amplitude and phase balance of the RF weights versus frequency. The system offers simpler, lighter weight more economically than full-phased arrays, much broader bandwidth than sidelobe cancellers, well-understood analysis procedures, and allows cancellation high up on the main beam.