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. Sidelobe
cancellation 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: