Abstract
In this paper, a new beamforming technique for planar two-dimensional arrays is proposed for optimizing the sidelobe levels (SLLs) by using recursive multibeam pattern subtraction (MPS) technique. The proposed MPS beamformer is demonstrated and its convergence to lower SLL values is investigated and controlled. The performance analysis has shown that the proposed MPS beamformer can effectively reduce the SLL down to less than -50 dB relative to the mainlobe level utilizing the major sidelobes information in the radiation pattern. In addition, the proposed MPS beamformer can be applied to any planar array geometry such as rounded corners rectangular arrays provided that the original array pattern contains sidelobe peaks. The comparison with recent related techniques has shown that the proposed beamformer provides faster convergence time. On the other hand, the proposed technique provides lower sidelobe levels which cannot be achieved by efficient tapering windows for planar two-dimensional arrays. Finally, the scanning performance of the proposed MPS beamformer is demonstrated and the simulation results show solid and consistent SLL levels over the whole angular range from the broadside to endfire directions of the array.