Effects of Amplifier Position on Active Array Antennas using Multi-Stage Dispersed Arrangement

We developed a multi-stage dispersed amplifier arrangement method for an active array antenna that reduces the number of active devices and controls the radiation pattern [1]. An active array antenna usually uses a Wilkinson power divider to suppress reflected waves and a complicated power divider to control the radiation pattern. In this paper, to avoid having to use such a complicate divider the optimum amplifier arrangement is found. The optimum antenna configuration uses a normal power divider and obtains that properties are almost the same as those for a Wilkinson power divider by setting the amplifier 0.6 λg from the power divider. We fabricated such an active array antenna for verification purpose, the experimental results of which are reported.