SOME NOTABLE FIRSTS IN ARRAY ANTENNA HISTORY

摘要

This paper briefly describes some of the significant array antenna developments known to the author from his studies and experiences over the past 58 years. Others may recall additional milestones and their contributions to this historical review are most welcome. Antenna technology began in the late 1880's with the Hertzian experiments to verify Maxwell's (then controversial) theory of EM (electromagnetic) waves. Hertz was the first to use wire loop, dipole, and parabolic cylinder reflector antennas. Most early antennas for "wireless telegraphy" (radio) communication were made of wires in various forms, and were mostly omnidirectional. Array antennas began in 1926 with the invention of the Yagi-Uda three element endfire array in Japan. Phased arrays, capable of non-mechanical beam steering, began in the mid-1930's with the MUSA (Multiple Unit Steerable Antenna) system used by AT&T for trans-Atlantic circuits. Other "firsts" are discussed below. Hopefully, our looking back at these past achievements will challenge and inspire our younger engineers to make even greater "firsts" in this Third Millennium.