Analysis of distributed conformal antennas on a moving platform

Abstract

Analysis of conformal distributed microstrip patch antennas mounted on a moving platform is presented. Nearomni directional radiation pattern with high gain and less null depth throughout the azimuth coverage is realized by optimizing the antennas on the platform. Optimization was carried out by changing the number of antennas, its orientation and its location on the vehicle. Omnidirectional pattern is synthesized by distributing the conformal antennas elliptically around the vehicle. Frequency domain aperture field source approach in MOM integral equation solver is utilized in the formulation of the problem. Since the vehicle structure is large MLFMM is used to save time and memory From the far-field radiation pattern results, it is demonstrated that 8 antennas which are mounted at 15λ apart lengthwise, 6λ apart widthwise and 8λ from the ground produces desired omni directional pattern with a gain of 5dB and ±3dB null depth throughout the coverage range I.