The ESSA solution

Abstract

ESSA (Electronic Switching Spherical Array) is a fixed truncated spherical antenna with its elements over the complete surface, conceived to satisfy many future antenna system requirements. Constant gain and beam shape throughout large volumetric coverage regions are the principle characteristics. In the present paper, the two existing types of ESSA are discussed. ESSA I is a simple nonphase correcting aperture approach characterized by light weight, low dc power consumption, gain between +7 and +14 dB, and 90% spherical coverage. ESSA II is a phase corrected aperture which would have very low sidelobe levels and improved gain over ESSA I (12 to 22 dB), but would be heavier and require more dc power.