Low cost Phased Arrays,

In a phased array antenna the phase shifters or TIR modules in active aperture phased arrays with their beam steering control circuitry along with the feed network, account for major hardware cost. This report examines a number of antenna array configurations that use simpler feeds, simpler phase shifting and beam steering control circuitry for realizing low cost phased arrays. Two lens configurations, one using diode strips Radant and another using voltage controlled ferroelectric dielectrics are identified to have high potential for low cost phased arrays. Ferroelectric dielectric lens may have further advantages of smaller thickness, simpler beam steering controls and lower costs.