Eigenbeam Analysis of Singly Curved Conformal Antenna Array

Abstract

In this paper, eigen analysis of the correlation matrix for an 8-element singly curved conformal antenna array with plane wave(s) incident at different angles is presented. The signal eigenvectors derived from the correlation matrix are used as the array weights to generate peak beams toward the directions of the signals, and the noise eigenvectors derived from the correlation matrix are used as the array weights to generate nulls in the directions of the signals. A 1 × 8 microstrip patch antenna array is embedded on an anhedral corner type structure with different amount of surface deformation to analyse the array pattern. The patch antenna elements in the conformal array are excited with attenuators (for amplitude control) and phase shifters (for phase control) to implement the complex signal eigenvectors practically. The simulated eigenbeams using conformal antenna array are in good agreement with the measurement results. Furthermore, the effects of surface deformation on gain and beamwidth of array main beam is discussed. The proposed eigenbeam conformal antenna array can be used in smart and adaptive array applications.

Beamforming with 1 × N Conformal Arrays

“…The aforementioned literature Sensors 2022, 22, 6616 2 of 18 study shows that the main focus is on the broadside radiation pattern correction of a conformal antenna array attached to a changing surface (i.e., vibrating surface) using composite amplitude and phase errors measurements, mechanical calibration methods, hardware sensor monitoring and the null points adjusting method. Then again, the previous work (with the exceptions of [27][28][29][30]) was developed under the assumption that the main lobe direction of the radiation pattern was fixed and the location of the nulls for beamforming was not defined.…”

“…The aforementioned literat study shows that the main focus is on the broadside radiation pattern correction of a c formal antenna array attached to a changing surface (i.e., vibrating surface) using com site amplitude and phase errors measurements, mechanical calibration methods, ha ware sensor monitoring and the null points adjusting method. Then again, the previ work (with the exceptions of [27][28][29][30]) was developed under the assumption that the m lobe direction of the radiation pattern was fixed and the location of the nulls for be forming was not defined. Thus, the objective of this work is to study the theory of beamforming for confor antenna arrays attached to the changing wedge-and cylindrical-shaped surfaces in Fig 1a,b for a specific main lobe direction and null locations for the first time.…”