Array of Antenna
Array of Antenna
Let assume two infinitesimal horizontal dipoles positioned along the z-axis, as shown in
Figure
The total field radiated by the two elements, assuming no coupling between the
elements, is equal to the sum of the two and in the y-z plane it is given by
The magnitude excitation of the radiators is identical
𝑘𝐼𝑜 𝑙 −𝑗𝑘𝑟
𝐸𝑡 = 𝑎𝜃 𝑗η 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑒 +𝑗(𝑘𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃+𝛽)/2 + 𝑒 −𝑗(𝑘𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃+𝛽)/2
4𝜋𝑟
𝑘𝐼 𝑙 1
𝑜
𝐸𝑡 = 𝑎𝜃 𝑗η 4𝜋𝑟 𝑒 −𝑗𝑘𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 2cos[2 (𝑘𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝛽)] ……………..(1)
for the two-element array of constant amplitude, the array factor is given by
1
AF = 2cos[2 (𝑘𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝛽)] ……………..(2)
The array factor is a function of the geometry of the array and the excitation phase. By
varying the separation d and/or the phase 𝛽 between the elements, the characteristics of
the array factor and of the total field of the array can be controlled.
The far-zone field of a uniform two-element array of identical elements is equal to the
product of the field of a single element, at a selected reference point (usually the origin),
and the array factor of that array. That is,
E(total) = [E(single element at reference point)] × [array factor]……………(3)
The array factor is a function of the number of elements, their geometrical arrangement,
their relative magnitudes, their relative phases, and their spacing.
The array factor does not depend on the directional characteristics of the radiating
elements themselves, it can be formulated by replacing the actual elements with isotropic
(point) sources. Once the array factor has been derived using the point-source array, the
total field of the actual array is obtained by the use of (3).
To synthesize the total pattern of an array, the designer is not only required to select the
proper radiating elements but the geometry (positioning) and excitation of the individual
elements
Given the array of Figures , find the nulls of the total field when d = λ ∕ 4 and
a. 𝛽 = 0
b. 𝛽 = +𝜋 /2
c. 𝛽 = −𝜋 /2
Solution- (a). 𝛽 = 0
𝑘𝐼𝑜 𝑙 −𝑗𝑘𝑟 1
𝐸𝑡 = 𝑎𝜃 𝑗η 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 2cos[ (𝑘𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝛽)]
4𝜋𝑟 2
Normalized field
1
𝐸𝑡𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 cos[ (𝑘𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝛽)]
2
2𝜋 𝜆
Put the value k = ; 𝛽 = 0 ; d = 4 . so we have
λ
𝜋
𝐸𝑡𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 cos[ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃]
4
𝜋
𝐸𝑡𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 cos[ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃]
4
The nulls are obtained by setting the total field equal to zero, or
𝜋
𝐸𝑡𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 cos[ 4 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃] |𝜃=𝜃𝑛 = 0
Let us assume that all the elements have identical amplitudes but each succeeding
element has a 𝛽 progressive phase lead current excitation relative to the preceding one.
uniform array: - An array of identical elements which are excited with identical
magnitude and each element have a progressive phase.
Considering the elements to be point sources.
If the actual elements are not isotropic sources, the total field can be formed by
multiplying the array factor of the isotropic sources by the field of a single element. This
is the pattern multiplication rule of (3), and it applies only for arrays of identical
elements.
AF = 1 + 𝑒 +j(kd cos𝜃 + 𝛽) + 𝑒 +j2(kd cos𝜃 + 𝛽) + ⋯ + 𝑒 +j(N−1)(kd cos𝜃 + 𝛽)
𝑗(n−1)(kd cos 𝜃+𝛽)
AF = σ𝑁
𝑛=1 𝑒
AF = σ𝑁 𝑗(n−1)𝜓
𝑛=1 𝑒 where 𝜓 = kd cos𝜃 + 𝛽…………………..(4a)
The array factor of (4) can also be expressed in an alternate, compact and closed form
whose functions and their distributions are more recognizable
𝑁
𝑆𝑖𝑛( 2 )𝜓
AF = ej[(N−1)/2]𝜓 1 ………….(5)
𝑠𝑖𝑛(2)𝜓
If the reference point is the physical center of the array, the array factor of (6-10) reduces to
𝑵
𝑺𝒊𝒏( 𝟐 )𝜓
AF = 𝟏 …………(6)
𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝟐)𝜓
For small values of 𝜓, the above expression can be approximated by
𝑵
𝑺𝒊𝒏( 𝟐 )𝜓
AF ≅ ……………….(7)
𝜓
𝟐
𝑵
1 𝑺𝒊𝒏( 𝟐 )𝜓
(𝐴𝐹)𝑛 = . ……………………(8)
𝑁 𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝟏)𝜓
𝟐
𝑵
𝑺𝒊𝒏( 𝟐 )𝜓
(𝐴𝐹)𝑛 ≅ 𝑵 ……………………(9)
𝟐
𝜓
To find the nulls of the array, (8) or (9) is set equal to zero. That is
𝑵 𝑵 𝑵
𝑺𝒊𝒏( 𝟐 )𝜓 = 0 𝜓|𝜽=𝜽𝒏 = ±𝒏𝝅 (kd cos𝜃n + 𝛽) = ± 𝒏𝝅
𝟐 𝟐
λ 𝟐𝒏
𝜃n = 𝒄𝒐𝒔−𝟏 (−𝜷 ± 𝝅) …………………..(10)
𝟐𝝅𝒅 𝑵
The 3-dB point for the array factor of (9) occurs when
𝑵
(kd cos𝜃h + 𝛽) = ± 𝟏. 𝟑𝟗𝟏
𝟐
λ 𝟐.𝟕𝟖𝟐
𝜃h = 𝒄𝒐𝒔−𝟏 (−𝜷 ± )
𝟐𝝅𝒅 𝑵
The half-power beamwidth (HPBW) can be found once the angles of the first maximum
(𝜃m) and the half-power point (𝜃h) are determined. For a symmetrical pattern
The half-power beamwidth (HPBW) can be found once the angles of the first maximum
(𝜃m ) and the half-power point (𝜃h ) are determined. For a symmetrical pattern
(HPBW) = 2(𝜃m - 𝜃h )
Broad Side Array
This value of 𝜓 when substituted in (8) makes the array factor attain its maximum value.
Thus for a uniform array with 𝛽 = 0 and d = nλ, in addition to having the maxima of the
array factor directed broadside (𝜃o = 90◦) to the axis of the array, there are additional
maxima directed along the axis (𝜃o = 0◦, 180◦) of the array (end-fire radiation).
To avoid multiple maxima, and largest spacing between the elements but with no grating
lobes. To avoid any grating lobe, the largest spacing between the elements should be less
than one wavelength (dmax < λ).
Three-dimensional amplitude patterns for broadside, and broadside/end-fire arrays (N = 10)
𝛽 d Maxima 𝜃o
0 d = λ/4 𝜃o = 90𝑜
0 d = λ/2
0 d=λ
0 λ < d < 2λ 0𝑜 < 𝜃o < 90𝑜
0 d = 2λ 0𝑜 , 60𝑜 , 90𝑜 ,
120𝑜 and 180𝑜
End-Fire Array
If the maximum radiation broadside along the axis of the array is called the end-fire.
𝑵
1 𝑺𝒊𝒏( 𝟐 )𝜓
(𝐴𝐹)𝑛 = 𝑁 . 𝟏 ……………………(8)
𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝟐)𝜓
𝑵
𝑺𝒊𝒏( )𝜓
(𝐴𝐹)𝑛 ≅ 𝑵
𝟐
……………………(9)
𝟐
𝜓
𝜓 = kd cos𝜃n + 𝛽
For end fire 𝜃 = 0𝑜 , 180𝑜
To direct the first maximum toward 𝜃0 =0𝑜 ,
𝜓 = kd.cos 𝜃 + 𝛽|𝜃=0𝑜 = kd + 𝛽 = 0 ➱ 𝛽 = −kd……………………(10a)
If the first maximum is desired toward 𝜃0 = 180𝑜
𝜓 = kd.cos 𝜃 + 𝛽|𝜃=180𝑜 = −kd + 𝛽 = 0 ➱ 𝛽 = kd ………………………(10b)
The end-fire radiation is accomplished when 𝛽 = −kd (for 𝜃 = 0𝑜 ) or 𝛽 = kd (for 𝜃 =
180𝑜 ).
If the element separation is d = λ∕2, end-fire radiation exists simultaneously in both
directions (𝜃 = 0𝑜 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 180𝑜 ).
If the element spacing is a multiple of a wavelength (d = nλ, n = 1, 2, 3, …), then in
addition to having end-fire radiation in both directions, there also exist maxima in the
broadside directions, two in the broadside directions and two along the axis of the array.
To have only one end-fire maximum and to avoid any grating lobes, the maximum
spacing between the elements should be less than dmax < λ∕2.
Three-dimensional amplitude patterns for end-fire arrays toward 𝜃 = 0𝑜 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 180𝑜 (N = 10, d = λ∕4)
Phased Scanning Array
By controlling the phase excitation between the elements, we can control the direction of
maximum radiation as- Normal to the array axis (broadside) and along the axis (end fire)
of the array.
maximum radiation of the array is required to be oriented at an angle 𝜃o (0𝑜 ≤ 𝜃o ≤ 180𝑜 )
the phase excitation 𝛽 between the elements must be adjusted so that
𝜓 = kd cos 𝜃 + 𝛽|𝜃=𝜃𝑜 |= kd cos 𝜃o + 𝛽 = 0 ➱ 𝛽 = −kd cos 𝜃o
by controlling the progressive phase difference between the elements, the maximum
radiation can be squinted in any desired direction to form a scanning array
Hansen-Woodyard End Fire Array
To enhance the directivity of an end-fire array without destroying any of the other
characteristics, Hansen and Woodyard proposed the required phase shift between closely
spaced elements of a very long array should be [the Hansen-Woodyard condition was
derived for an infinitely long antenna with continuous distribution. It thus gives good
results for very long, finite length discrete arrays with closely spaced elements]
2.92 𝜋 𝑜
𝛽 = −( kd + ) ≃ −( kd + ) ⇒ for maximum in 𝜃o = 0
𝑁 𝑁
2.92 𝜋 𝑜
𝛽 = +( kd + ) ≃ +( kd + ) ⇒ for maximum in 𝜃o = 180
𝑁 𝑁
N-Element Linear Array
Array Factor-
If the total number of isotropic elements of the array is odd (2M + 1) (where M is an
integer), as shown in Figure, the array factor can be written as-
(AF)2M+1 = 2𝑎1 + 𝑎2 𝑒 +𝑗kd cos 𝜃 + 𝑎3 𝑒 +𝑗2kd cos 𝜃 +…… + 𝑎𝑀+1 𝑒 +𝑗(𝑀−1)/2)kd cos 𝜃 +
𝜋𝑑
Where u = cos 𝜃
λ
Binomial Array-
1. Excitation Coefficients To determine the excitation coefficients of a binomial array, the
function (1 + x)m-1 be written in a series, using the binomial expansion, as-
The above represents Pascal’s triangle. If the values of m are used to represent the
number of elements of the array, then the coefficients of the expansion represent the
relative amplitudes of the elements. Since the coefficients are determined from a
binomial series expansion, the array is known as a binomial array
1. Two elements (2M = 2) a1 = 1
2. Three elements (2M + 1 = 3) 2a1 = 2 a1 = 1, a2 = 1
3. Four elements (2M = 4) a1 = 3, a2 = 1
4. Five elements (2M + 1 = 5) 2a1 = 6 a1 = 3, a2 = 4, a2 = 1
Design Procedure:-
Design using a λ∕2 spacing leads to a pattern with no minor lobes, approximate closed-form
expressions for the HPBW and maximum directivity for the d = λ∕2 spacing in terms of the
numbers of elements or the length of the array (L), and they
1.06 1.06 0.75
HPBW(d = λ∕2) ≃ 𝑁−1 = =
2𝐿/λ 𝐿/λ
2
Do = 𝜋 𝜋
0 [cos( 2 cos𝜃]2(𝑁−1) .𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃.𝑑𝜃
Table-2
and each is related to a Tschebyscheff (Chebyshev) polynomial Tm(z). These relations
between the cosine functions and the Tschebyscheff polynomials are valid only in the −1
≤ z ≤ +1 range. Because | cos(mu)| ≤ 1, each Tschebyscheff polynomial is|Tm(z)| ≤ 1 for
−1 ≤ z ≤ +1. For |z| > 1, the Tschebyscheff polynomials are related to the hyperbolic
cosine functions.
The recursion formula for Tschebyscheff polynomials is
𝑇𝑚 𝑧 = 2𝑧𝑇𝑚−1 𝑧 − 𝑇𝑚−2 𝑧
It can be used to find one Tschebyscheff polynomial if the polynomials of the previous
two orders are known. Each polynomial can also be computed using
𝑇𝑚 𝑧 = cos [m𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 (𝑧)] − 1 ≤ z ≤ +1
𝑇𝑚 𝑧 = cosh [m𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ−1 (𝑧)] z < −1, z > +1
Properties Tschebyscheff polynomials
1. All polynomials, of any order, pass through the point (1, 1). 2. Within the range −1 ≤ z
≤ 1, the polynomials have values within −1 to +1. 3. All roots occur within −1 ≤ z ≤ 1,
and all maxima and minima have values of +1 and −1, respectively
Array Design
Statement. Design a broadside Dolph-Tschebyscheff array of 2M or 2M + 1 elements with
spacing d between the elements. The side lobes are Ro dB below the maximum of the major
lobe. Find the excitation coefficients and form the array factor.
ratio of major-to-minor lobe intensity (Ro)
Procedure
a. Select the appropriate array factor.
b. Expand the array factor. Replace each cos(mu) function (m = 0, 1, 2, 3,…) by its
appropriate series expansion found in Table-1.
c. Determine the point z = zo such that Tm(zo) = Ro (voltage ratio). The order m of the
Tschebyscheff polynomial is always one less than the total number of elements. The
design procedure requires that the Tschebyscheff polynomial in the −1 ≤ z ≤ z1, where
z1 is the null nearest to z = +1, be used to represent the minor lobes of the array. The
major lobe of the pattern is formed from the remaining part of the polynomial up to point
𝑧
zo (z1 < z ≤ zo). d. Substitute cos(u) = z (in the array factor of step b.
o
𝑧
d. The cos(u) is replaced by z∕ zo, and not by z, so that cos(u) = z would be valid for |z|
o
≤ | zo |. At |z| = | zo |, (6-72) attains its maximum value of unity.
𝑧
e. Equate the array factor from step b, after substitution of cos(u) = z to a Tm (z) from
o
Table-2. The Tm (z) chosen should be of order m where m is an integer equal to one less
than the total number of elements of the designed array. This will allow the
determination of the excitation coefficients 𝑎𝑛 ’𝑠.
f. Write the array factor using the coefficients found in step e.
Example-
Design a broadside Dolph-Tschebyscheff array of 10 elements with spacing d between
the elements and with a major-to-minor lobe ratio of 26 dB. Find the excitation
coefficients and form the array factor.
Solution-
1. The array factor is
(AF)2M (even) = σ𝑀
𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 cos[(2𝑛 − 1). 𝑢]
𝜋𝑑
Where u = cos 𝜃
λ
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2010.
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Edn., 2006.
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2005.
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2ndEdn., 2015.
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