SLL Optimization of Passive Radar Non-uniform Linear Arrays Based on Commercial UHF Antennas

A non-uniform linear array architecture was selected for the design of the surveillance channel antenna of a passive bistatic radar exploiting Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial signals. The use of commercial radiating elements and the possibility of implementing beamforming techniques for the generation of simultaneous beams were the main requirements. A commercial antenna was characterized by electromagnetic simulations and uniform and non-uniform linear arrays were designed. Optimization techniques based on a genetic algorithm were applied for guaranteeing the beam steering throughout 60° (the single element azimuth beam-width), with a maximum side lobe level of 12dB at the limit steering angles.