Which term describes adjusting the phase delays among array elements to steer the beam electronically?

• A. Apodization
• B. Phased-array steering
• C. Mechanical steering
• D. Dynamic focusing

Answer: (B)

Adjusting phase delays among array elements to steer the beam electronically is called phased-array steering. By applying precise time delays between elements, the emitted waves interfere constructively in a chosen direction, creating a beam that points there without moving the transducer. This enables rapid beam direction changes and multi-angle scanning. Apodization changes the beam shape and sidelobe levels by weighting element amplitudes, not by changing direction. Mechanical steering relies on physically moving the array to aim, which changes position rather than timing. Dynamic focusing adjusts delays to focus at different depths, improving resolution at chosen depths but not steering the beam’s direction.