Patent attributes
An array antenna with an embedded subaperture includes an array of radiator elements. The array includes a subaperture of one or a group of the radiator elements. A main receive channel is coupled to at least some of the radiator elements by a feed network. An RF power dividing network is connected in a signal path between the subaperture and the special use receive channel, and is adapted to allow at least most of the RF energy from the subaperture to pass to the special use receiver channel while diverting a small amount of energy to the main receive channel. The array includes circuitry for introducing an amplitude taper to signals received from the array of radiator elements, so that some of the signals from the radiator elements are attenuated to achieve the amplitude taper. The circuitry in an exemplary embodiment includes the RF power dividing network, wherein the small amount of energy diverted to the main receive channel from the subaperture is substantially equal to an attenuated signal level for the subaperture to achieve an amplitude taper attenuation.
