SLC determines the direction of the
jamming signal and effectively steers a null into that direction
to zero out the jamming signal. Planar array antenna systems
can perform this electronically by dedicating some of the array
elements to function as omnidirectional antennas.
SLC
is a little more sophisticated than sidelobe blanking. Remember that
successful jamming for an extended period renders a radar using
sidelobe blanking effectively useless for the period of the jamming.
The operator knows the direction of the jamming but is
blind to valid targets throughout the jamming period. SLC avoids this problem and allows the radar
system to remain functional in the presence of jamming.
Sidelobe blanking
(SLB) may be adequate in a lightly jammed environment, but
as soon as multiple jammers present themselves, the continual jamming
can end up disrupting the functionality of the radar system
almost continually. SLC is normally employed
by more sophisticated systems with access to advanced signal processing
techniques and is often associated with planar array antenna systems.
Other topics in our resources on Radar related to SLC include: