Beam steering and beamforming are related concepts in radar and antenna technology, but they refer to different aspects of making electromagnetic waves.
Beam steering involves adjusting the direction of a fixed antenna or antenna array to point toward a specific target or region of interest. This usually involves physically moving the antenna or using phase shifts to change the direction of the antenna’s main beam electronically. Beam steering allows radar systems to scan different sectors without physically repositioning the entire antenna structure.
Beamforming, on the other hand, refers to a signal processing technique used with antenna arrays to create directional beams of radio waves. It uses the phase and amplitude of signals from individual elements in the antenna array to direct the main beam in a desired direction and adjust its shape and focus. Beamforming improves radar performance by improving signal reception, increasing antenna gain, and allowing spatial filtering to isolate desired signals and reject interference.
Beam scanning is a method used in radar systems where the radar antenna systematically scans or scans a predetermined angular range to detect targets or objects. This involves moving the antenna beam in a controlled manner across the azimuth or elevation plane. Unlike beamforming, which adjusts the direction and focus of a beam electronically, beamforming physically moves the entire antenna or antenna array to cover different directions.
The purpose of beam steering is to direct the main beam of the radar antenna toward specific targets or regions of interest. By adjusting the direction of the antenna electronically or mechanically, beam steering allows radar systems to track moving targets, scan different surveillance sectors, and maintain continuous coverage over a designated area. Beam steering improves the radar’s flexibility, responsiveness and accuracy in detecting and tracking objects in various operational scenarios.
In the context of beamforming, a “beam” refers to a directional pattern of radio waves that is electronically shaped and directed by controlling the phase and amplitude of signals from individual antenna elements. Beamforming allows radar systems to create and control multiple beams simultaneously, each focused on different directions or targets of interest. The ability to shape and steer beams improves radar performance in terms of range, resolution and target discrimination, making it essential to modern radar applications.