MUTUAL COUPLING IN ARRAY ANTENNAS

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The report summarizes the current level of understanding of the performance of arrays of real radiators. The extent and nature of the effects of mutual coupling (element pattern distortion, element impedance variation with scan angle, and polarization variation with scan angle) in array antennas are investigated for a variety of array geometries and for several types of radiating elements. Both finite and infinite arrays of regularly spaced, uniformly illuminated, and progressively phased elements are considered. The effects of coupling on unequally spaced arrays, arrays with coupled feed networks, and circularly polarized arrays are also discussed. Finally, the results of a study of the effects of coupling on the radiation patterns of multiple-beam optical-type antennas are presented. Although most of the numerical results are based on thin, dipole radiating elements with and without ground planes (the dipole without a ground plane is the exact dual of an array of slots in a ground plane), both theoretical and experimental investigations of the sensitivity of the results to the element type are included. Emphasis is placed on the results of various analyses and their implications to the array designer. The derivations of some of the more important results are briefly outlined, but in most instances, only the relevant conclusions are given.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: