Phased Arrays & Beamforming

1. Conceptual Intuition (L1)

• Constructive and Destructive interference.
• Electronic steering vs Mechanical steering.
• The "Spotlight" analogy.

2. Engineering Math (L2)

• Array Factor (AF) equation.
• Phase shift per element ($\Delta \phi = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} d \sin\theta$).
• Grating Lobes: The result of spacing > $\lambda/2$.

3. System Application (L3)

• Beam Squint (Phase vs True Time Delay).
• Scan Blindness and Mutual Coupling.
• Element tapering (windowing) for sidelobe reduction.

Interactive Component: Beam Steerer

• Description: Steer the beam and watch sidelobes.
• Controls: Element count, Spacing, Steer Angle.