Conformal microstrip patch array for SDMA applications

This paper presents the calculated and measured space division multiple access (SDMA) performance of a conformal 16x4 element microstrip patch phased array on a cylindrical surface. The described pattern synthesis algorithm allows a fast and efficient evaluation of all the array excitation coefficients, which are necessary to generate the required beams for the SDMA operation of base stations. The array shows an excellent scanning and beam forming capability and is a very promising candidate for the SDMA operation of base stations for mobile communications and for point-to-multipoint connections.