Multi-panel phased array antenna, employing combined baseband decision driven carrier demodulation

A multi-panel phased array antenna architecture and signal processing subsystem combines baseband outputs of multiple carrier demodulators associated with respective phased array panels prior to bit-decision processing at baseband for data and clock recovery. The baseband bit decisions are fed back to control the operation of the carrier recovery loops of the demodulators. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio in the carrier recovery loops and allows near theoretical system operation at lower signal-to-noise ratios than would otherwise be achievable.