Synthesis of Large Endfire Antenna Arrays Using Convex Optimization

An innovative approach utilizing convex optimization to simultaneously conduct pattern synthesis and improve the matching of large-scale endfire antenna arrays is proposed in this paper. A fast full-wave analysis tool facilitates the computation of the necessary data for running the optimization routine and enables analysis on arrays with dimensions 100λ × 6λ for the highest simulated frequency. Simulated results are provided for various array configurations of bowties, and the results show that improved matching can be obtained while maintaining a clear endfire far-field pattern analogous to the pattern obtained with the classical Hansen-Woodyard excitation. The spatial dependence on the amplitude of the optimized input waves in the antenna ports indicates that a considerable fraction of the input power is fed to the antennas at the array's front, in the direction in which the main lobe is launched.