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

Distribution functions used in array antenna design typically synthesize specified pattern characteristics without consideration for either the peak amplitude of the radiating elements or the aperture radiated power. There do exist applications, however, in which the pattern synthesis must employ such constraints. In the transmit mode of active array antennas, for example, it is desirable to radiate as much power as possible subject to a per-element peak amplitude constraint while simultaneously suppressing the outer sidelobes. 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 value while only a few of the outer elements are tapered. A method for generating CLS distributions given constraints on both the peak element amplitude and the total effective radiated voltage (ERV) is discussed. The design involves specifying the desired ERV and a weighting function that allows selectively suppressing sidelobes in specified regions. The effects of these design parameters on the far-field patterns are explored.