The active elements in linear sequential arrays are much ______ than those found in linear phased arrays.

• A. Larger
• B. Smaller
• C. Similar
• D. Unknown

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how beam steering is achieved in the two array types. In a linear phased array, each element has its own RF path with phase control, so many elements are energized at once to shape and steer the beam. In a linear sequential (switched) array, the excitation is routed through a switching network so only a single element (or a very small number) is active at any given moment while the beam is swept by switching. Because of this switching approach, the number of active elements at once is much smaller. That’s why the correct completion is “smaller.”