MIMO Antenna Array With a Randomized Arrangement of Elements Providing Specified Directional Properties

A method for forming the virtual aperture of a multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array with a random arrangement of elements is proposed. For this purpose, the required number of receiving (Rx) and transmitting (Tx) elements is placed independently of each other within a given area so that they do not overlap with each other. The coordinates of the elements have an equally probable distribution. Based on these coordinates, the virtual aperture of the MIMO antenna array is formed. For a virtual aperture, the characteristics of its radiation direction multiplier are evaluated, that is, the width of the main lobe and the peak level of the sidelobe. Based on the resulting characteristics of the radiation direction multiplier, the distribution of Rx and Tx elements is optimized using a genetic algorithm to achieve the required directional properties of the virtual aperture. An example of virtual aperture MIMO antenna array synthesis with a random arrangement of elements is presented, consisting of 30 Rx and 30 Tx elements.