Sparse Linear Array Designed via ULA Fitting

A sparse array (SA), termed as ATLF3-2BL, is proposed based on the uniform linear array (ULA) fitting (UF) principle. UF is a general SA devising scheme, based on which designers can devise SAs using a series of ULAs. SAs devised upon UF enjoy closed-form expressions for both array configuration and uniform degrees of freedom. Comprised of 7 ULAs, the proposed ATLF3-2BL can provide a long virtual difference coarray than most existing SAs. Besides, the mutual coupling in ATLF3-2BL remains a low level. Therefore, the ATLF3-2BL gives a considerable compromise between mutual coupling and uniform degrees of freedom. Simulations attest the good performance of the proposed ATLF3-2BL.