The effects of the element factor on low sidelobe circular arc array performance

A method based upon genetic algorithm (GA) synthesis is used to study the characteristics of the array distributions and pattern performance of low sidelobe arc arrays with complex amplitude and phase element factors. The results show it is important to include both parts of the element factor in the array synthesis procedure. We examine these characteristics for small arrays that have application to wireless basestations and terminals, and for large arrays often used in radar and communications systems. Besides characterizing the performance of low sidelobe arc arrays, this work studies the applicability of GAs to complex array synthesis problems that extend beyond linear arrays.