Array antenna synthesis including element and feed coupling

Precise radiation pattern control for an array antenna requires precise control of array element excitations. One application is that of low side lobe patterns. Classical synthesis methods for the desired pattern may not be realized in practice due to coupling effects. Coupling occurs in two forms: the mutual coupling between array elements and the coupling introduced by the feed networks. Ideally one could account for such coupling within the array architecture during the design process and alter the feed network parameters to adjust for such coupling. Unfortunately, this is a nonlinear problem requiring special solution techniques.

This report presents the solution techniques for determining feed network parameter values that compensate for antenna-feed network coupling. Scattering parameter representations of the antenna array and the feed networks are used. Examples of various array configurations for microstrip antenna arrays and for dipole arrays are included.