Sidelobe‐level reduction of a linear array using two amplitude tapering techniques

Abstract

Peak sidelobe levels (SLL) may be reduced via amplitude control or weighting across the array aperture. Several authors have made significant contributions in detailing processes for synthesising these aperture amplitude distributions for the purpose of sidelobe-level control. This study, however, shows the use of two amplitude-tapering methods simultaneously with pattern multiplication to achieve desired SLL. With a target bandwidth of 1.83 to 1.85 GHz and centre frequency of 1.84 GHz, a linear array is designed, fabricated and measured. Good agreement between simulated and measured results achieved shows that the proposed amplitude weighting methods applied to the antenna structure are very efficient in achieving reduced SLL below −20 dB across the operational bandwidth with an impedance bandwidth of 7.5% below −15 dB.