Analysis of a Wavelength-Scaled Array (WSA) Architecture

Abstract

Wavelength-scaled array architectures use scaled elements to achieve ultrawideband performance with significantly fewer overall radiators than traditional ultrawideband arrays based on a single element type. Compared to a conventional ultrawideband array with 8:1 bandwidth, a wavelength-scaled array that uses elements of three different sizes creates an aperture with fewer than 16% of the original element count, i.e., 6.4-times fewer elements, and by extension a comparable reduction in electronics required to feed the array. In this paper, a study of an asymmetric wavelength-scaled array architecture is presented for finite arrays of offset-centered dual-polarized flared-notch radiators. The unique element transitions within the finite array structure are modeled via a non-matching grid Domain Decomposition-Finite Element Method that allows for rigorous impedance and radiation pattern prediction of full-sized wavelength-scaled arrays. This design study shows that the wavelength-scaled array has comparable performance to traditional ultrawideband arrays in terms of VSWR, radiation patterns, array mismatch efficiency, and cross-polarization levels.