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As low-cost fully digital array technology becomes more commercialized, techniques need to be developed to be able to deal with many of the inherent problems of these systems. This article focuses on mitigating the intermodulation distortion (IMD) caused by the low-input third-order intercept point (IIP3) of the low-noise amplifier (LNA) in a digital array element’s channel. The performance of solid-state electronics also varies with the temperature of the device, thus changing the device’s nonlinear characteristics. This article proposes an adaptive solution for nonlinear equalization (NLEQ) with the use of the least mean-square (LMS) algorithm. Data from a modern digital array channel are corrected using the proposed method; the channel nonlinearities are also characterized for further simulations. A simulation using these nonlinear coefficients shows that NLEQ can effectively mitigate the IMD of two strong interferers that had previously distorted the weak signal of interest. Finally, a nine-element fully digital array is simulated, showing the correlation of IMD with specific, predictable directions, and the decorrelation of these spurs after NLEQ is applied to each element of the array. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future weather radar systems will need to provide rapid updates within a flexible multifunctional overall radar network. This naturally leads to the use of electronically scanned phased array antennas. However, the traditional multifaced planar antenna approaches suffer from having radiation patterns that are variant in both beam shape and polarization as a function of electronic scan angle; even with practically challenging angle-dependent polarization correction, this places limitations on how accurately weather can be measured. A cylindrical array with commutated beams, on the other hand, can theoretically provide patterns that are invariant with respect to azimuth scanning with very pure polarizations. This paper summarizes recent measurements of the cylindrical polarimetric phased array radar demonstrator, a system designed to explore the benefits and limitations of a cylindrical array approach to these future weather radar applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A near-field cancellation duplexing system is demonstrated using multiple coordinated transceivers with symmetrically arranged antenna elements and a digital backend for baseband waveform phase and amplitude weighting controls. By adapting weights of multiple transmit elements, coupled interference at receiver elements deconstructively interferes, providing up to 50 dB of additional isolation over the coupling of a single transmitter to a receiving element. Bandwidth considerations of the array are presented. It is shown that uncorrelated transmit noise from multiple transmitters can be removed through tunable filtering or through adaptive beamforming of multiple receiving elements, both providing an additional 30–40 dB of interference reduction that is tunable over the frequency range of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Multistatic radar is a promising option for the low-cost collection of multiple-Doppler weather observations. However, due to the use of low-directivity antennas at the receivers in these systems, they typically suffer from extremely high two-way sidelobe levels compared to monostatic radars. Doppler velocity estimation biases induced by sidelobe contamination have proved to be a significant obstacle to more widespread adoption of this technology. It has been noted in the existing literature that the technique of sidelobe whitening, first developed for use in monostatic systems, has the potential to mitigate this issue. However, the existing sidelobe whitening algorithm is not suitable for use in this application, as it is only capable of achieving whitening in the two-way antenna pattern, whereas an algorithm to be used in the multistatic case must be able to achieve this result in the transmit pattern alone. This article proposes an alternate sidelobe whitening technique based on the method of alternating projections which allows for effective whitening in the one-way antenna pattern. A multistatic weather radar time-series simulator is used in conjunction with numerical weather prediction data to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in mitigating multiple-Doppler measurement biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical and accurate estimation of 3-D wind fields is an ongoing challenge in radar meteorology. Multistatic (single transmitter/multiple receivers) radar architectures offer a cost-effective solution for obtaining the multiple Doppler measurements necessary to achieve such estimates. Existing multistatic weather radars, while less costly than comparable monostatic networks, have been constrained by the need for specialized equipment and software to perform frequency and pulse timing synchronization with the transmitting radar. This article describes the implementation of a passive radar network that performs pulse timing and carrier frequency synchronization through measurements of the sidelobe radiation of the transmitting radar. This makes it possible for the receiver modules to be constructed with minimal size and cost, and it allows for their use in coordination with any in-band transmitter capable of recording time-stamped pointing angle information. A prototype network consisting of two passive receivers has been constructed in the Oklahoma City, OK, USA. Weather observations collected using the radiation from a WSR-88D have been used to validate the accuracy of velocity measurements obtained through this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a tornado lofts debris to the height of the radar beam, a signature known as the tornadic debris signature (TDS) can sometimes be observed on radar. The TDS is a useful signature for operational forecasters because it can confirm the presence of a tornado and provide information about the amount of damage occurring. Since real-time estimates of tornadic intensity do not have a high degree of accuracy, past studies have hypothesized that the TDS could also be an indicator of the strength of a tornado. However, few studies have related the tornadic wind field to TDS characteristics because of the difficulty of obtaining accurate, three-dimensional wind data in tornadoes from radar data. With this in mind, the goals of this study are twofold: 1) to investigate the relationships between polarimetric characteristics of TDSs and the three-dimensional tornadic winds, and 2) to define relationships between polarimetric radar variables and debris characteristics. Simulations are performed using a dual-polarization radar simulator called SimRadar; large-eddy simulations (LESs) of tornadoes; and a single-volume, T -matrix-based emulator. Results show that for all simulated debris types increases in horizontal and vertical wind speeds are related to decreases in correlation coefficient and increases in TDS area and height and that, conversely, decreases in horizontal and vertical wind speeds are related to increases in correlation coefficient and decreases in TDS area and height. However, the range of correlation coefficient values varies with debris type, indicating that TDSs that are composed of similar debris types can appear remarkably different on radar in comparison with a TDS with diverse scatterers. Such findings confirm past observational hypotheses and can aid operational forecasters in tornado detection and potentially the categorization of damage severity using radar data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dipole-antenna array signal-processing algorithm development, research has focused on “short dipoles” whose physical length ( $L$ ) is under (1/10) of a wavelength \lambda $ . Such electrically “short” dipoles have very small input impedances, rendering such “short” dipoles to be inefficient radiators. Practical dipoles, with an electrical length of ({L}/{\lambda }) \in [{0.1, 1}] , have notably larger input impedance, hence making them better radiators. Of such practical dipoles, this paper investigates their use for azimuth-polar direction finding and for polarization estimation. This paper will first present the measurement model (i.e., array manifold) of a triad of such practical dipoles, collocated in space and orthogonally oriented. This paper will then develop the corresponding closed-form algorithms to estimate the bivariate azimuth–elevation direction-of-arrival or the bivariate polarization. Such closed-form algorithms previously have been unavailable in the existing literature for such a triad of electrically “long” dipoles of pragmatic radiation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectral regrowth and waveform distortion caused by wideband signals input into active phased array antenna systems is the problem this paper addresses. The paper's unique contribution is the development of the impedance-dependent memory polynomial model, capable of solving nonlinear predistortion model parameters for a solid-state high power amplifier with varying load impedance resulting from active electronic beamsteering. Wideband load impedance mismatched tests demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique on a 2.7 GHz, 8 W amplifier. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In an effort to study and characterize scattering mechanisms of debris particles in tornadoes, a numerical polarimetric radar emulator was developed. This paper is primarily motivated by attempts to explain radar observations near tornadoes. One such observation is the regions of negative differential reflectivity, which have been found near tornadoes but they are yet to be explained physically. There are hypotheses that suggest common debris alignment and/or dominant scattering from objects with high radar-cross-section (RCS) values that cause negative ZDR , but they are extremely challenging to verify due to the inherent danger near the vicinity of tornadoes. It is, however, possible to numerically construct the scenes through representative simulations to verify the plausible causes. This serves as our primary motivation to develop the radar emulator. The novel aspects of this paper are the realistic trajectory derivation, which is based on a physical air-drag model, and the representative diversity of RCS contributions from each debris object, developed through realistic polarimetric RCS modeling and anechoic chamber measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper addresses spectral regrowth caused by wideband signals input into solid-state amplifiers. Unique contributions are a weighted least-squares method for solving predistorter nonlinear model parameters, and a Bayesian method for tracking model parameters in slowly changing systems. Next-generation active phased array radars are the primary application. Past predistortion research has been primarily aimed at narrowband communications, while radar wideband applications have been relatively unexplored. Laboratory measurements confirm our methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific community has expressed interest in the potential of phased array radars (PARs) to observe the atmosphere with finer spatial and temporal scales. Although convergence has occurred between the meteorological and engineering communities, the need exists to increase access of PAR to meteorologists. Here, we facilitate these interdisciplinary efforts in the field of ground-based PARs for atmospheric studies. We cover high-level technical concepts and terminology for PARs as applied to studies of the atmosphere. A historical perspective is provided as context along with an overview of PAR system architectures, technical challenges, and opportunities. Envisioned scan strategies are summarized because they are distinct from traditional mechanically scanned radars and are the most advantageous for high-resolution studies of the atmosphere. Open access to PAR data is emphasized as a mechanism to educate the future generation of atmospheric scientists. Finally, a vision for the future of operational networks, research facilities, and expansion into complementary radar wavelengths is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As active electronically steerable arrays become more prominent, a new paradigm of assigning bits to a set of digital phase shifters, necessary for analog and digital beamforming, is proposed. It is well known that a modern day digital phase shifter which is associated with each transmit/receive module typically relies on three to seven bits. Each of these phase shifters provide a desired resolution of 45^\circ to 2.8125^\circ, respectively. When an array is steered with a fixed precision set of phase shifters, there are some angles where results are significantly better than others. For example, six bit phase shifters can provide exact 11.25^\circdifferential phases in a linear array, but not 15^\circ, and subsequent quantization errors lead to reduced pointing accuracy and increased sidelobe levels. However, these errors can be minimized if the set of shifters operate collectively instead of independently with “blind” quantization. In particular this study seeks the solution for the following problem: for a set of N phase shifters, each defined by B bits, determine the optimal way to distribute the N\times B bits so that the array performance is maximized. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With an incredible increase in the number of wireless devices and an ever-growing demand for high data rates, 5G needs to provide a solution to satisfy the demand for the next decade. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are seen as one of the primary solutions—allowing for spatial multiplexing and the use of millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies, which can provide much larger bandwidths and, thus, data rates. MIMO is very closely related to phased arrays, which have been used for radar for the past few decades and requires many antennas and transceivers—on the order of hundreds or thousands for massive MIMO. To make such systems affordable, low-cost, low-power, and low-complexity is required—inherently compromising other system characteristics, such as linearity. The main focus of this paper will be in summarizing the challenges, recent advances, and potential future breakthroughs concerning MIMO/digital array sensitivity to interferers and nonlinear distortion. Specifically, this paper gives an overview of MIMO/digital array architectures and different techniques currently researched for the characterization and mitigation of spatial and spectral interferers and nonlinearities, which can be used to extend the effective dynamic range of low-cost MIMO/digital array systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution presents the results of a dual-polarized radiating element designed to achieve low cross-polarization (lower than −40 dB measured for the E-and H-plane, at least −30 dB in the D-plane based on simulations) and large fractional bandwidth (18%) over wide scanning angles (±60°). The proposed design includes multiple features that enable high isolation between ports, reduction of spurious radiation, highly symmetrical radiated fields, and suppression of diffracted fields between contiguous subarray gaps. To verify the polarimetric requirements for a weather radar, simulated and measured results, including electronic scanning of the array and embedded element patterns of the antenna, are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing interest in polarization diversity in communications and radar systems, the use of Ludwig’s second and third definitions has become controversial among scientists and antenna engineers. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to clarify some of the ambiguity and confusion caused by these definitions. A detailed comparison of Ludwig’s second and thirrd definitions of cross polarization, as applied to linearly polarized antennas, was performed. The results show that, in the diagonal plane, Ludwig’s second definition leads to a lower cross-polarization level than the third definition for $x$ - or $y$ -polarized current sources. For a Huygens source, by Ludwig’s third definition, the radiation pattern has a lower cross-polarization level than that obtained by Ludwig’s second definition. For some applications, the antenna is usually placed in the $y{z}$ plane. Therefore, new polarization bases are proposed according to which the source is used as a reference, and also on how this source is oriented in the $y{z}$ plane. To complement the theoretical framework demonstrated in this contribution and to provide readers with a better and simpler understanding of the cross-polarization definition, the analysis of several practical antennas for diverse applications was presented. Numerical and measured radiation patterns of wire and printed dipoles, rectangular patch, pyramidal horn, and open-ended rectangular waveguide (OEWG) antennas were investigated according to the polarization formulations presented in this paper. In addition, a dual-polarized element and a dual-polarized active phased array at broadside were utilized to generalize the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain accurate radar-measured wind measurements in tornadoes, differences between air and Doppler velocities must be corrected. These differences can cause large errors in radar estimates of maximum tangential wind speeds, and large errors in single-Doppler retrievals of radial and vertical velocities. Since larger scatterers (e.g., debris) exhibit larger differences from air velocities compared to small scatterers (e.g., raindrops), the dominant scatterer type affecting radar measurements is examined. In this study, radar variables are simulated for common weather radar frequencies using debris and raindrop trajectories computed with a large-eddy simulation model and two electromagnetic scattering models. These simulations include a large range of raindrop and wood board sizes and concentrations, and reveal the significant frequency dependence of the equivalent reflectivity factor and Doppler velocity. At S band, dominant scatterers are wood boards, except when wood board concentrations are very low. In contrast, raindrops are the dominant scatterers at Ka and W bands even when large concentrations of wood boards are present, except for low raindrop concentrations. Dual-wavelength velocity differences exhibit high correlation with air and Doppler velocity differences for most cases, which may enable direct measurements of scatterer-induced Doppler velocity bias in tornadoes. Moreover, dual-wavelength ratios are shown to exhibit strong correlations with dominant scatterer size, except when Rayleigh scatterers are dominant. Finally, vertical velocity retrievals are shown to exhibit lower errors at high frequencies, and large errors remain at centimeter wavelengths even after debris centrifuging corrections are applied in cases with high debris concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past numerical simulation studies found that debris loading from sand-sized particles may substantially affect tornado dynamics, causing reductions in near-surface wind speeds up to 50%. To further examine debris loading effects, simulations are performed using a large-eddy simulation model with a two-way drag force coupling between air and sand. Simulations encompass a large range of surface debris fluxes that cause negligible to substantial impact on tornado dynamics for a high-swirl tornado vortex simulation. Simulations are considered for a specific case with a single vortex flow type (swirl ratio, intensity, and translation velocity) and a fixed set of debris and aerodynamic parameters. Thus, it is stressed that these findings apply to the specific flow and debris parameters herein and would likely vary for different flows or debris parameters. For this specific case, initial surface debris fluxes are varied over a factor of 16 384, and debris cloud mass varies by only 42% of this range because a negative feedback reduces near-surface horizontal velocities. Debris loading effects on the axisymmetric mean flow are evident when maximum debris loading exceeds 0.1 kg kg−1, but instantaneous maximum wind speed and TKE exhibit small changes at smaller debris loadings (greater than 0.01 kg kg−1). Initially, wind speeds are reduced in a shallow, near-surface layer, but the magnitude and depth of these changes increases with higher debris loading. At high debris loading, near-surface horizontal wind speeds are reduced by 30%-60% in the lowest 10 m AGL. In moderate and high debris loading scenarios, the number and intensity of subvortices also decrease close to the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]