[TowerTalk] amplifiers for phased arrays

[Dave Bowker]

The performance of any phased array is critically dependent upon proper [phasing] and [amplitude] of 
the power delivered to each element in the array.  If we consider only the transmitting case, this 
is almost impossible to accomplish with what your are proposing.

The phase from the central feed point to the input of each element amplifier can readily be 
controlled, but how do you plan to control the phase shift through each amplifier at the element? 
No two power amps exhibit the same phase shift when matched to the load impedance ... PERIOD ... 
there are literally an infinite number of L/C combinations which will match the amp to the load, but 
each one exhibits a different phase shift.  Amplitude control is possible (at great expense of 
complicated circuitry), but each element of a phased array must have precise [phase ]AND [amplitude] 
of  power applied to it.

And how do you propose to handle the reverse situation (on receive) ... the amps you are 
contemplating ARE NOT BI-DIRECTIONAL !!!

I don't think what you are contemplating is realistic from an engineering point of view, let alone 
economics!

73, Dave, K1FK
Fort Kent, ME