Analysis, Design, and Experimental Validation of a High-Isolation, Low-Cross-Polarization Antenna Array Demonstrator for Software-Defined-Radar Applications

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The development of a high-isolation, low cross-polarization antenna array is crucial for enhancing the performance of software-defined radar (SDR) systems. This paper focuses on designing and demonstrating an antenna array that meets these requirements to improve radar signal clarity and reduce interference. however the Design an Antenna Array is not describe clear and Test the antenna array in a controlled environment to evaluate its performance. as well as Integrate the antenna array with an SDR system and assess the overall system performance.

the comparison table between your proposed system and other published should be added in the discussion

the Array Configuration should be discused with the application requirements

   - Incorporate electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures or meta-materials to suppress surface waves and mutual coupling.

 

   - Use decoupling networks or isolation-enhancing elements between array elements. for Cross-Polarization Reduction, Design antenna elements with symmetric feeding mechanisms should be discussed and Employ polarization diversity techniques to minimize cross-polarization levels.

for Testing Environment, you should Use an anechoic chamber for initial testing to eliminate external interference and Deploy network analyzers and spectrum analyzers for detailed measurements.

relevant and new as

Sun, H.-H.; Lee, Y.H.; Luo, W.; Ow, L.F.; Yusof, M.L.M.; Yucel, A.C. Compact Dual-Polarized Vivaldi Antenna with High Gain and High Polarization Purity for GPR Applications. Sensors 2021, 21, 503. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21020503

Liu, Y.; Yang, Z.; Chen, P.; Xiao, J.; Ye, Q. Isolation Enhancement of a Two-Monopole MIMO Antenna Array with Various Parasitic Elements for Sub-6 GHz Applications. Micromachines 2022, 13, 2123. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13122123

 

 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

the English language is good 

Author Response

Please see our response in the attached file.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Recommendation: Major Revisions

The manuscript presents a flexible antenna module for integration into an active electronically scanning array (AESA) within a software-defined radar (SDR) system. While the concept is intriguing, the abstract and introduction suggest a primary focus on beamforming. However, the main contribution appears to be the design of a dual-polarized stacked patch antenna, a topic well-addressed in the literature. The introduction should be adjusted to emphasize the antenna design if it is the main contribution.

In Section 2, the authors discuss achieving low sidelobe levels below -30 dB and low cross-polarization by changing the amplitude distribution. This is a well-known concept and needs to offer novel insights or improvements. The manuscript mentions simulating the radiating element in CST in a 2-D periodic environment to account for coupling effects, but details on the implementation and the number of antenna elements used are unclear and need more clarification.

Figure 5(b) presents the response in terms of f/fo, which should be replaced with the exact operating frequency for better clarity. The transition from unit-cell simulation results to a finite array simulation setup is not well-explained, and the term "F parameters" is unclear and should be defined. More detailed information about the simulation setup is necessary.

The manuscript mentions fabricating two prototypes of a 2 × 8 array to implement a total 4 × 8 array for measurements. Clear photographs of the antenna array prototypes and a detailed explanation of their usage are essential. Additionally, there are discrepancies between the measured S-parameters showing a single response performance and the dual response presented in the rest of the paper that need to be addressed.

The manuscript initially discusses scanning capabilities but fails to demonstrate this in the results. Radiation patterns with sidelobe levels less than -30 dB, as mentioned in the introduction, are not presented and should be included to validate the claims.

In conclusion, the manuscript presents a promising approach but requires significant revisions for clarity, detailed simulation and experimental setups, and validation of performance metrics. Therefore, I recommend major revisions to address these issues comprehensively.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Recommendation: Major Revisions

The manuscript presents a flexible antenna module for integration into an active electronically scanning array (AESA) within a software-defined radar (SDR) system. While the concept is intriguing, the abstract and introduction suggest a primary focus on beamforming. However, the main contribution appears to be the design of a dual-polarized stacked patch antenna, a topic well-addressed in the literature. The introduction should be adjusted to emphasize the antenna design if it is the main contribution.

In Section 2, the authors discuss achieving low sidelobe levels below -30 dB and low cross-polarization by changing the amplitude distribution. This is a well-known concept and needs to offer novel insights or improvements. The manuscript mentions simulating the radiating element in CST in a 2-D periodic environment to account for coupling effects, but details on the implementation and the number of antenna elements used are unclear and need more clarification.

Figure 5(b) presents the response in terms of f/fo, which should be replaced with the exact operating frequency for better clarity. The transition from unit-cell simulation results to a finite array simulation setup is not well-explained, and the term "F parameters" is unclear and should be defined. More detailed information about the simulation setup is necessary.

The manuscript mentions fabricating two prototypes of a 2 × 8 array to implement a total 4 × 8 array for measurements. Clear photographs of the antenna array prototypes and a detailed explanation of their usage are essential. Additionally, there are discrepancies between the measured S-parameters showing a single response performance and the dual response presented in the rest of the paper that need to be addressed.

The manuscript initially discusses scanning capabilities but fails to demonstrate this in the results. Radiation patterns with sidelobe levels less than -30 dB, as mentioned in the introduction, are not presented and should be included to validate the claims.

In conclusion, the manuscript presents a promising approach but requires significant revisions for clarity, detailed simulation and experimental setups, and validation of performance metrics. Therefore, I recommend major revisions to address these issues comprehensively.

Author Response

Please see our response in the attached file.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors presented interesting idea by implemented Tseng-Cheng  distribution for an active electronically scanning array antenna to achieve a pencil beam with a specific sidelobe level. The methods and design steps were well detailed. I would only recommend adding citation to equations (5) and (9). 

Author Response

Please see our response in the attached file.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf