Linear aperiodic array of microstrip patch antennas with grating lobes reduction

Aperiodic arrays are very interesting when room for active devices could be achievable. In this paper, a deterministic strategy to generate the aperiodicity, based on three geometric taper distributions, is studied and validated. The method is applied to arrays with inter-elements spacing greater than a wavelength. The arrays exhibit a reduction of the grating lobe level. One of these arrays has been implemented in a microstrip linear array that has been simulated, manufactured and tested. Good agreement between simulated and measured radiation patterns is found. This manufactured antenna demonstrates the reduction of the grating lobes with a similar level to the side lobe.