Simultaneous Multibeam Clustered Phased Arrays Analysis Using Mixed and Multiple Antenna Element Factors.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Antenna Theory

Background:

• Traditional phased arrays often face limitations in radiative performance, particularly in simultaneous multibeam (SMB) applications.
• Achieving wide scan angles and maintaining high gain while suppressing sidelobes is a persistent challenge in phased array design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel design strategy for enhancing the radiative performance of simultaneous multibeam (SMB) phased arrays.
• To improve the scan angle range, minimum array gain, and reduce the peak side lobe level (PSLL) of phased arrays.

Main Methods:

• Adoption of mixed and multiple antenna element factors with dynamic selection of radiation patterns based on desired SMB pointing directions.
• Implementation of a Penrose-inspired clustering technique to reduce the number of array feed points.
• Assessment of the proposed architecture against traditional single antenna element factor phased arrays and clustered arrays.

Main Results:

• The novel array architecture significantly widens the scan angle range compared to traditional designs.
• Improved minimum array gain and reduced peak side lobe level (PSLL) were observed.
• Superior radiative performance was demonstrated in SMB scenarios with two, three, four, and five concurrent main lobes.

Conclusions:

• The proposed design strategy effectively enhances the radiative performance of simultaneous multibeam phased arrays.
• The technique offers significant improvements in gain, scan range, and sidelobe suppression.
• This novel approach is a promising solution for multiuser and multibeam communication systems.