PERFORMANCE AND GEOMETRY ANALYSIS OF ANTENNA ARRAY

Abstract

The radiation pattern of an antenna array depends strongly on the weighting method and the geometry of the array. Selection of the weights has received extensive attention, primarily because the radiation pattern is a linear function of the weights. However, the array geometry has received relatively little attention even though it also strongly influences the radiation pattern. The reason for this is primarily due to the complex way in which the geometry affects the radiation pattern. The main goal of this paper is to determine methods of optimizing array geometries in antenna arrays. An adaptive array with the goal of suppressing interference is investigated. It is shown that the interference rejection capabilities of the antenna array depend upon its geometry. Side-lobe level is an important metric used in antenna arrays, and depends on the weights and positions in the array. A method of determining optimal side-lobe minimizing weights is derived that holds for any linear array geometry, beam-width, antenna type and scan angle.