Use of the Analog Computer in the Design of Directional Arrays

Abstract

The usefulness of the analog computer in the design of radiation patterns produced by various arrays of radiating elements is discussed. The analog computer provides an easy and rapid method of continuously plotting the entire pattern from known parameters, such as relative strengths of the elements, element spacing, frequency, and relative phases among the elements. Modifications of any or all of these parameters are easily made and the effects quickly determined. It may be used for a wide variety of arrays, among which are linear and plane arrays with uniform or nonuniform spacing, tapered arrays, and steered arrays in which phase lags readily may be introduced into any number of elements. Although several of the so-called optimum design techniques provide the optimum pattern in only one or two planes, the analog computer quickly provides the patterns for other planes. Also, the sum and difference patterns of two halves of an array may be drawn simultaneously. One such curve presents the locus of the vector amplitude and phase of the signal from one-half of the array.