Array Fundamentals
Array Fundamentals
Array Fundamentals
2025
Mustefa Badri
Contents
Antenna Array
An antenna array consists of multiple antenna
Types of Antenna Arrays
elements arranged in a specific configuration to
achieve desired radiation characteristics such as 🔹 Linear Array – Elements are placed in a straight line.
increased directivity, gain, and beam steering.
🔹 Planar Array – Elements are arranged in a 2D grid.
In an array of identical elements, there are at least 🔹 Circular Array – Elements are placed in a circular formation.
five controls that can be used to shape the overall
🔹 Phased Array – The phase of each element is controlled to
pattern of the antenna. These are:
steer the beam.
1. the geometrical configuration of the overall array
(linear, circular, rectangular, spherical, etc.)
2. the relative displacement between the elements
Maxima
The main-lobe maximum occurs when the
denominator term ψ/2 = 0. Thus
Beamwidth
sidelobe maxima The beamwidth of a linear array is determined by the angular
The sidelobe maxima occur approximately when the distance between the half-power points of the mainlobe.
The two half power points (θ+ and θ-) are found when the
numerator is a maximum.
normalized AFn = .707 (AF2 n = .5).
This occurs when the numerator argument Nψ/2 =
The normalized array factor is at the half-power points when
±(2n+1) π/2. Thus
Broadside linear array
The most common mode of operation for a linear
array is in the broadside mode.
The maximum radiation of an array directed normal
to the axis of the array [broadside;
This is the case where δ = 0 such that all element
currents are in phase (all the elements have the same
phase excitation).
To avoid any grating lobe, the largest spacing between the
elements should be less than one wavelength ( ).
Beamsteered linear array
End-fire linear array
The name end-fire indicates that this array’s maximum
radiation is along the axis containing the array elements.
Thus, maximum radiation is “out the end” of the array.
Where
(Normalized AF)
There are a vast number of possible window functions
available that can provide weights for use with linear arrays.
Binomial Windowing
Binomial weighting is a technique used in antenna arrays
to reduce sidelobes while maintaining a broad main lobe.
It is based on binomial coefficients, which distribute the
excitation amplitudes of array elements according to Pascal’s
triangle.
Hamming
Gaussian Kaiser-Bessel
Beamsteered and weighted arrays
with
The unit vector in the direction of the field point The array factor can now be found in a similar
fashion as was done with the linear array.
Rectangular Planar Arrays
Butler matrices
One method for easily creating fixed beams is through the
use of Butler matrices.
The Butler matrix is an analog means of producing several
simultaneous fixed beams through the use of phase
shifters.
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