Investigation of microwave landing system phased antenna array reliability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1109/ICATT.1995.1234143Abstract
Phased antenna arrays (PAA) of a passive type are used in radio beacons of microwave landing system (MLS). The azimuthal PAA is formed by two-dimensional planar slotted-waveguides antenna arrays. The elevation PAA are linear arrays formed by dipole radiators. In the scanning plane, the antennas form the radiation pattern whose main beam width should be 1° or 2° with the side-lobe level at -25 dB. Violation of the pointed out parameters can result in intolerable errors when defining an aircraft altitude.
4 bit p-i-n diode phase shifters are used in the control systems of all available PAA. Other components of PAA developed by different companies can differ. The system operation experience has bought out failures connected with breakage or short-circuiting of p-i-n diodes, and failures, due to other reasons.
The paper considers the results of PAA radiation pattern modelling with a specified level of failures in the radiators sections and a random choice of the failed radiator numbers.
Based on statistical analysis of the antenna array characteristics, one can conclude about the high reliability of the radiating system satisfying the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.
