Which statement best describes PESA?

Which statement best describes PESA?

• A. One large, high powered transmitter with phase shifters to shift the radar scan
• B. Many transmitters with digital beamforming
• C. No transmitter, passive radar
• D. Rotating mechanical scan

Answer: (A)

PESA uses a single high-power transmitter whose output is distributed to many antenna elements through a network of phase shifters. By adjusting the phase at each element, the radar beam is steered electronically, allowing rapid scanning without moving parts. This setup is distinct from systems that place many transmitters (digital beamforming, as in AESA), from passive radar that has no transmitter, and from mechanically scanned radars that rely on moving the antenna rather than electronic phase control.

PESA uses a single high-power transmitter whose output is distributed to many antenna elements through a network of phase shifters. By adjusting the phase at each element, the radar beam is steered electronically, allowing rapid scanning without moving parts. This setup is distinct from systems that place many transmitters (digital beamforming, as in AESA), from passive radar that has no transmitter, and from mechanically scanned radars that rely on moving the antenna rather than electronic phase control.