Efficient Optimization and Realization of a Shaped-Beam Planar Array for Very Large Array Application

Abstract

Abstract-The optimization and simulated realization of planar 2-D antenna array with a flat-top shaped-beam pattern are proposed in this paper. The shaped-beam planar array can be used as an element of Very Large Array for the Deep Space Detection. A conventional genetic algorithm is chosen for the optimization. However, the synthesis of flat-top shaped-beam using a planar 2-D array is difficult because of the inherently large number of degrees of freedom involved in the algorithm (in generally, the amplitude and phase of each element must be determined). Therefore, a sub-array rotation method, which lies on the flat-top pattern synthesis itself, is proposed in this study to resolve the design problem. Besides, the proposed synthesis has taken the actual element patterns but identical and isotropic ones into account, which can reduce the error between computation and realization. A 8 × 8 (64)-element rectangular array is exampled, and the results of the optimized flat-top patterns are shown to illustrate the validity and high efficiency of the technique.

On the Optimal Synthesis of Ring Symmetric Shaped Patterns by Means of Uniformly Spaced Planar Arrays

“…In particular, let us consider the problem, analyzed in both [4] and [7], of synthesizing a pattern having a flat-top shape in an angular region extending from θ = −10 • up to θ = 10 • .…”

“…Such a problem deserves indeed interest for a number of reasons, the main one being that while a large number of contributions exists in the literature wherein this kind of problems is solved by means of global optimization techniques [4][5][6][7][8], this is not actually needed in a number of cases (as we are going to see below).…”

“…Section 4 is then devoted to a comparison with recent results in the literature (especially from [4] and [7]), as well as to the synthesis of a number of patterns of actual interest. Conclusions follow.…”

“…In particular, an effective synthesis strategy can be devised as long as the pattern specifications imply 'factorable' or even 'ring-shaped' patterns. Notably, this class of patterns covers a large number of situations of actual interest, such as the synthesis of the elements of Very Large Arrays for Deep Space Applications [4,7], the synthesis of the so-called 'iso-flux' patterns and many others. In all these cases, these approaches are capable to furnish different alternative solutions to the same problem, so that one can eventually 'pick' the more convenient one with respect to some additional performance parameter.…”

Pattern Synthesis for Planar Array Based on Elements Rotation

“…The synthesis of antenna arrays with a main beam and low side lobes has received much attention over the years, and there are a wide variety of techniques that have been developed for the synthesis of linear and planar arrays [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”