Antenna Array Pattern Synthesis by Optimization of Weighted Distance

Abstract

We present a method of pattern synthesis for arbitrary antenna arrays. This method allows determining a set of array excitations that produce a radiation pattern belonging to a prescribed mask. A weighted distance is defined between the generic array pattern and a reference function F ₀ chosen inside the mask. The algorithm modifies the weights involved in this distance iteratively, one at a time, and for each set of weights it determines the array excitations, and the corresponding pattern, that minimize the weighted distance. Each weight is modified in such a way as to force the corresponding pattern to fall into the mask, or to approach the mask, within a small range of directions. This allows generating a sequence {F_n } of array patterns that are closer and closer to the mask. A pattern F_n belonging to the mask, or sufficiently close to it, is a solution to the problem. Numerical examples show the effectiveness of the method.