Optimization of Concentric Ring Array Geometry for 3D Beam Scanning

Li Zhang,Yong-Chang Jiao,Bo Chen

doi:10.1155/2012/625437

Li Zhang, Yong-Chang Jiao + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/625437

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Abstract

Optimization of the element placement in a concentric ring array for three-dimensional (3D) beam scanning with minimum peak sidelobe levels (SLLs) is addressed in this paper. In order to achieve 3D beam scanning with the lowest peak SLL, both the radius and the element spacing of each ring are optimized. Moreover, the aperture size is a very important constraint for the array, since there is an upper limit for the aperture size of a given array in real-life environment. Hence, in our optimization design, the maximum radius of the concentric ring array is constrained. Through the optimization, the peak SLL of the optimal concentric ring array is about 6 dB lower than that of the uniform concentric ring array, but the directivity is reduced by only 0.3 dB.

Highlights

Antenna arrays for radar tracking, remote sensing, biomedical imaging, satellite and ground communications have often to support three-dimensional (3D) scanning with a suitable beampattern shape in the given angular region [1]
In [2], the weights and positions were simultaneously optimized in order to reduce the sidelobe levels (SLLs) in the azimuthal plane
Optimization of the ring radii has been attempted for beam scanning at boresight with the lowest peak SLL [10], but this was done with respect to suppressing the SLL only for the given plane

Summary

Introduction

Antenna arrays for radar tracking, remote sensing, biomedical imaging, satellite and ground communications have often to support three-dimensional (3D) scanning with a suitable beampattern shape in the given angular region [1] Towards this end, planar arrays have to be used and large apertures are necessary to provide satisfactory angular resolutions along both azimuth and elevation [1]. In [3], three different evolutionary algorithms were employed to optimize the amplitude and phase excitations of the circular array for designing the beam scanning with the lowest peak SLL in the whole azimuthal plane. The weights and geometry were simultaneously optimized in order to determine the minimum possible sidelobe level in concentric ring arrays [9]. To the best of our knowledge, optimization of the concentric ring array geometry for 3D beam scanning with minimum peak SLL has not been addressed.

Formulation of the Problem

Numerical Examples

Findings

Conclusion