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Abstract

A digital beamforming array for use in radar applications and particularly in radar applications that used phased array technology. The array receives an incoming signal at a plurality of sensor modules, converts them to intermediate frequency, and then converts the intermediate frequency signals to n-bit (preferably 1-bit) digital signals at an oversampling rate, where n is less than the number of bits required to represent the dynamic range of the intermediate frequency signal. The n-bit digital signals are then beamformed by altering their relative phases and combining them to form a resultant n-bit digital signal which is then converted to a digital signal of the number of bits required to represent the dynamic range of the intermediate frequency signal. An advantage of the present invention is that it reduces the complexity and thus the cost of the digitizing hardware required.

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First Claim