Transmit patterns for active linear arrays with peak amplitude and radiated voltage distribution constraints

Distribution functions used in array antenna design typically synthesize sp ecified pattern characteristics without consideration for either the peak a mplitude of the radiating elements or the aperture radiated power. There do exist applications, however, in which the pattern synthesis must employ su ch constraints. In the transmit mode of active array antennas, for example, it is desirable to radiate as much power as possible subject to a pre-elem ent peak amplitude constraint while simultaneously suppressing the outer si delobes, This paper discusses the design considerations of the constrained least squares (CLS) distribution function. In the CLS distribution, most of the radiating elements near the array center are set to their maximum valu e while only a few of the outer elements are tapered. A method for generati ng CLS distributions given constraints on both the peak element amplitude a nd the total effective radiated voltage (ERV) is discussed. The design invo lves specifying the desired ERV and a weighting function that allows select ively suppressing sidelobes in specified regions, The effects of these desi gn parameters on the far-field patterns are explored.