Synthesis of Reactively Controlled Antenna Arrays Using Characteristic Modes and DE Algorithm

A simple yet efficient procedure for the synthesis of reactively controlled antenna arrays is proposed by applying the theory of characteristic modes (CM) to the differential evolution (DE) algorithm. A characteristic-mode analysis of an antenna array consisting of N elements is first carried out to identify its different radiating modes. Based on these characteristic modes, the DE algorithm is then employed to seek the optimal mode excitation coefficients according to the specific requirements on radiation pattern, loading schemes, and/or other specifications. Several circular antenna arrays are successfully synthesized according to main beam direction and maximum sidelobe level. The benefits brought by the theory of CM are finally concluded in terms of the quality of the optimal design, the convergence rate, and the computational complexity.

[1]  Sakti Prasad Ghoshal,et al.  Radiation pattern optimization for concentric circular antenna array with central element feeding using craziness-based particle swarm optimization , 2010 .

[2]  Roger F. Harrington,et al.  Reactively loaded directive antennas , 1974 .

[3]  Y. Kuwahara,et al.  Novel ESPAR antenna , 2005, 2005 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium.

[4]  Zaiping Nie,et al.  Synthesis of Uniform Amplitude Thinned Linear Phased Arrays Using the Differential Evolution Algorithm , 2007 .

[5]  Roger F. Harrington,et al.  Modal analysis of loaded N-port scatterers , 1972 .

[6]  R. Haupt,et al.  Optimized Element Spacing for Low Sidelobe Concentric Ring Arrays , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[7]  H. Scott,et al.  360/spl deg/ electronically controlled beam scan array , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[8]  R. Harrington,et al.  Theory of characteristic modes for conducting bodies , 1971 .

[9]  K.-L. Du.  Pattern analysis of uniform circular array , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[10]  Anyong Qing.  Differential Evolution: Fundamentals and Applications in Electrical Engineering , 2009 .

[11]  P. Rocca,et al.  Differential Evolution as Applied to Electromagnetics , 2011, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine.

[12]  H. Scott,et al.  360 Electronically Controlled Beam Scan Array , 2004 .

[13]  T. Ohira,et al.  Fast beamforming of electronically steerable parasitic array radiator antennas: theory and experiment , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[14]  Anja K. Skrivervik,et al.  Spherical lens antenna designs with particle swarm optimization , 2010 .

[15]  S. Sugiura,et al.  Reactively Steered Ring Antenna Array for Automotive Application , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[16]  R. Garbacz,et al.  A generalized expansion for radiated and scattered fields , 1971 .

[17]  Roger F. Harrington,et al.  Reactively controlled directive arrays , 1978 .