This special issue provides the reader a look into the future of phased arrays.
As phase array technologies continue to grow, new technologies are beginning to have a positive impact for 5G communications.
Piscataway, NJ (PRWEB) March 23, 2016
Proceedings of the IEEE, the most highly cited general-interest journal in electronics, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science, has released a special issue focused on the future of Phased Array Technologies.
Modern phased array technology spans a range of diverse disciplines in electrical engineering, from RF microwave engineering to digital and mixed signal VLSI design, device physics, high-speed data networking and many more. The special issue features 13 papers that look into the future of phased arrays by broadly describing emerging core technologies as well as potential new applications covering a diverse range of disciplines.
Ben Epstein, guest editor of the special issue and a senior adviser to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office, explains: “As phase array technologies continue to grow, new technologies are beginning to have a positive impact for 5G communications, both therapeutic and diagnostic medical procedures, aircraft and weather surveillance, power and cooling challenges and radio astronomy. While there are still many challenges ahead, the field has been expanded and for the first time ever, scientists and engineers are applying Moore’s law to phased arrays to push the boundaries of science and engineering in how phase array technologies are implemented in the future.”
Highlights from the broad spectrum of papers on phased array technologies, include:
- “Digital Phased Arrays: Challenges and Opportunities” by C. Fulton et al. The paper overviews the many interrelated aspects of the digital beamforming trade space, covering data distribution within the array, data processing, calibration, and fixed versus adaptive beamforming.
- “The Evolution to Modern Phased Array Architectures,” by J. S. Herd and M. D. Conway. The paper discusses how phased array costs can be minimized by utilizing high-volume commercial microwave manufacturing and packaging techniques, coupled with digital array architectures.
- “A New Era in Elemental Digital Beamforming for Spaceborne Communications Phased Arrays,” by P. K. Bailleul discusses the use of digital phased arrays in addressing the challenges faced for space applications, especially in the context of size, weight, and power consumption.
- “On the Design of Phased Arrays for Medical Applications,” by O. M. Bucci et al. The paper covers microwave medical imaging and the therapeutic delivery of nonionizing radiation to targeted cancerous sites in patient.
The issue also features the following two papers covering phased array radar for aircraft and weather surveillance:
- “Multifunction Phased Array Radar for Aircraft and Weather Surveillance,” by J. E. Stailey and K. D. Hondl. The paper explores the Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR) multiagency initiative to investigate the feasibility of replacing aircraft surveillance and weather radar fleets in the United States with a network of phased array radars based on a single, scalable networked array architecture.
- “Adaptive-Weather-Surveillance and Multifunction Capabilities of the National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar.” by S. M. Torres et al. The paper covers the National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT), which is a phased array radar established to evaluate the potential of phased array technology in predicting weather while performing air traffic surveillance from a common platform.
Other topics covered in the special issue include:
- High-sensitivity phased array receivers for radio astronomy
- Implementations of true time delays in phased arrays
- Benefits of digital phased array radar
- Unconventional phased array architectures and deign methodologies
- The role of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in beamforming operations
- Design of energy and cost efficient massive MIMO arrays
- Analog and RF interference mitigation for integrated MIMO receiver arrays
To learn more about the new revolution for phased arrays, please visit the Proceedings of the IEEE’s website, LinkedIn or Facebook page.
About the Proceedings of the IEEE
Founded in 1912 and first published in early 1913 (originally as Proceedings of the IRE), Proceedings of the IEEE is the most highly cited general-interest journal in electrical engineering and computer science. This journal provides the most in-depth tutorial and review coverage of the technical developments that shape our world, enlisting the help of guest editors and authors from the best research facilities, leading-edge corporations and universities around the world. For more information on Proceedings of the IEEE and the latest ideas and innovative technologies, visit http://www.ieee.org/proceedings, LinkedIn and Facebook.
About IEEE
IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional association, is dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more at http://www.ieee.org.
