What is the meaning of beam-forming vs. beam-scanning?

[shmily0447]

Hi all,

Can anyone please help to clarify that what is the definitiong of beam-forming? And what is the difference between 'beam-forming' and 'beam-scanning'?

Thanks in advance.

 

[FvM]

Beamforming https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beamforming

beam-scanning isn't a clear technical term. Apparently different application specific uses. It might describe an application of beamforming.

 

[jiripolivka]

Beamforming https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beamforming

beam-scanning isn't a clear technical term. Apparently different application specific uses. It might describe an application of beamforming.

Beam scanning means pointing the main beam to different spatial directions "continually". You can do it mechanically, turning the antenna through selected angle range(s), phased antenna arrays can do it electronically by changing phase and amplitude of individual array radiators.