The combination of analog and digital beamforming is commonly used in 5G millimeter-wave and satellite communications to balance cost and performance.
Element spacing is less than or equal to λ/2
Non-uniform array layout
Advanced beamforming algorithm
High path loss → requires high gain and beamforming
Thermal management
Precision manufacturing (strict tolerance for small wavelength)
Fast beam switching for LEO/MEO satellite tracking
Multi-beam operation for high-throughput links
Low-profile design for airborne/mobile terminals
Massive MIMO for capacity enhancement
Dynamic beam tracking for mobile users
Millimeter wave coverage expansion
Yes! They are widely used in:
Active electronically scanned array radar system
Automotive radar
Weather and surveillance radar