Minimizing peak sidelobe level and maximizing array efficiency in array antenna using phase-only beamforming based on...

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Signal Processing
• Antenna Theory and Design
• Optimization Algorithms

Background:

• Phase-only beamforming is a hardware-efficient alternative to amplitude tapering for antenna arrays.
• Achieving low sidelobe levels and high array efficiency simultaneously in phase-only beamforming is a significant challenge.
• Existing methods often struggle to balance the trade-off between peak sidelobe level (PSLL), beamwidth, and array efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel two-objective optimization algorithm for phase-only beamforming.
• To minimize peak sidelobe level (PSLL) while maximizing array efficiency.
• To demonstrate superior performance compared to existing phase-only methods and amplitude tapering techniques.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid optimization approach combining Genetic Algorithm (GA) with Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP).
• Implementation within a multi-objective optimization framework.
• Validation through computer simulations on linear and two-dimensional planar arrays of varying element counts.

Main Results:

• The proposed method significantly improves both PSLL and array efficiency for linear arrays compared to existing phase-only techniques.
• For planar arrays, improvements in array efficiency range from 8.8% to 21.8% with a 1.5 dB PSLL reduction for circular arrays.
• Square planar arrays show at least a 6.8 dB PSLL enhancement and narrower beamwidth compared to prior phase-only methods.

Conclusions:

• The novel GA-SQP based multi-objective optimization algorithm effectively addresses the challenges in phase-only beamforming.
• The proposed method offers a superior balance between PSLL, beamwidth, and array efficiency, outperforming current state-of-the-art.
• This approach provides a robust solution for advanced antenna array design requiring efficient beam control.