Smart surface for aperture array by using nonuniform distribution

Different geometry arrangement for elements in an array yields various electrical interactions between them. In a wide band and wide scan angle array, these interactions are quite complex. A smart array structure is proposed based on the planar octagonal ring antenna. Thanks to the flexibility of this array element, element sizes and the bonds between the elements in the array can be non-uniform, these non-uniform-configured micro-arrays can add flexibility in the entire array design, it can be engineered in a way that the current distribution at different frequency points involves different size of patch area on the active aperture array surface, and in each effective patch area, the electrical property are tuned to frequency and scan angle. This allows for wider scan angles while reducing the overall number of elements hence reducing the cost. As a result, a smart and conformal aperture array surface for broad band use can be achieved.