In a

phased array In antenna theory, a phased array usually means an electronically scanned array, a computer-controlled array of antennas which creates a beam of radio waves that can be electronically steered to point in different directions without moving th ...

slotted waveguide A slot antenna consists of a metal surface, usually a flat plate, with one or more holes or slots cut out. When the plate is driven element, driven as an antenna (radio), antenna by an applied radio frequency current, the slot radiates electromagn ...

antenna, squint refers to the angle that the

transmission Transmission may refer to: Medicine, science and technology * Power transmission ** Electric power transmission ** Propulsion transmission, technology allowing controlled application of power *** Automatic transmission *** Manual transmission *** ...

is offset from the

normal Normal(s) or The Normal(s) may refer to: Film and television * ''Normal'' (2003 film), starring Jessica Lange and Tom Wilkinson * ''Normal'' (2007 film), starring Carrie-Anne Moss, Kevin Zegers, Callum Keith Rennie, and Andrew Airlie * ''Norma ...

of the

plane Plane(s) most often refers to: * Aero- or airplane, a powered, fixed-wing aircraft * Plane (geometry), a flat, 2-dimensional surface Plane or planes may also refer to: Biology * Plane (tree) or ''Platanus'', wetland native plant * Planes (gen ...

of the antenna. In simple terms, it is the change in the beam direction as a function of operating

frequency Frequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. It is also occasionally referred to as ''temporal frequency'' for clarity, and is distinct from ''angular frequency''. Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz) which is eq ...

, polarization, or orientation. It is an important phenomenon that can limit the bandwidth in

antenna systems. This deflection can be caused by: ;Signal frequency :Signals in a

waveguide A waveguide is a structure that guides waves, such as electromagnetic waves or sound, with minimal loss of energy by restricting the transmission of energy to one direction. Without the physical constraint of a waveguide, wave intensities de ...

travel at a speed that varies with frequency and the dimensions of the waveguide. In a

antenna, the signal is designed to reach the outputs in a given phase relationship. This can be accomplished for any single frequency by properly adjusting the length of each waveguide so the signals arrive in-phase. However, if a different frequency is sent into the feeds, they will arrive at the ends at different times, the phase relationship will not be maintained, and squint will result. Frequency-dependant phase shifting of the elements of the array can be used to compensate for the squint, which leads to the concept of a squintless antenna or feed. ;Design :In some cases the antenna may be designed to create a squint. For example, an antenna which is used to communicate with a

satellite A satellite or artificial satellite is an object intentionally placed into orbit in outer space. Except for passive satellites, most satellites have an electricity generation system for equipment on board, such as solar panels or radioisotope ...

but must remain in a vertical configuration. Squint is also required in

conical scanning Conical scanning is a system used in early radar units to improve their accuracy, as well as making it easier to steer the antenna properly to point at a target. Conical scanning is similar in concept to the earlier lobe switching concept used o ...

References

Antennas (radio) {{Tech-stub