Optimal Compromise Among Sum and Difference Patterns in Monopulse Antennas: Use of Subarrays and Distributions with Common Aperture Tail

Given a linear antenna array with an excitation distribution affording an optimal sum pattern, subarray weighting allows the same array also to generate a difference pattern, with minimal alteration of the signal feed circuitry. In this approach, it is not necessary to consider the whole array for subarraying: We report that the required feeding networks can be further simplified by keeping the elements at the edges of the array with common excitations for both sum and difference patterns.