A New Design Method for Digital Beamforming Using Spatial Interpolation

This letter presents a new method for design of digital beamformer using uniform linear (or planar) array. By employing spatial interpolation process at digital signal processing section, the number of antenna elements and the corresponding RF modules, analog/digital (A/D) converters, etc., are significantly reduced, while still retaining same main beamwidth and same side-lobe level (SLL) as the traditional beamforming method that requires larger number of elements. In addition, the method provides for prescribed specification of narrow main beamwidth, while at the same time allowing for prescribed specification of low SLL. Illustrative design examples and a comparison with the traditional beamforming method are included.