A Switchable Biomimetic Antenna Array

Biomimetic antenna arrays inspired by the fly Ormia ochracea showed a promising improvement of the angle estimation capabilities of radar sensors. So far, there is usually a loss of output power associated with this improvement decreasing the detectability of weak radar targets. In this letter, an electronically switchable two-element biomimetic antenna array is presented for the first time. This array provides the possibility to switch between a biomimetic antenna mode with enhanced phase sensitivity and a conventional antenna mode with a better signal-to-noise ratio. Circuit requirements are discussed, the design process is described, and a realization in the 77 GHz range using p-i-n diodes as switching elements is presented. Radar measurements verify the concept. By switching, the phase sensitivity of the realized array can be enhanced by a factor of three with a relative power loss of maximum 14 dB.

Automated summary

Biomimetic antenna arrays inspired by the fly Ormia ochracea have shown improved angle estimation capabilities of radar sensors, but at the cost of decreased detectability of weak radar targets. A electronically switchable two-element biomimetic antenna array was presented for the first time, providing the ability to switch between enhanced phase sensitivity and better signal-to-noise ratio modes. Radar measurements verified that phase sensitivity could be enhanced by a factor of three with a maximum relative power loss of 14 dB through switching.