optimization of Unequally Spaced Linear Antenna Array by Employing PSO Technique

In this paper, a new method for the synthesis of unequally spaced linear antenna (USLA) arrays, which provides very low peak side lobe level (PSLL) along with narrow and highly directive main beam for a given aperture size is proposed. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is employed to determine optimum arrangement of inter-element spacing which simulate required current distribution on the aperture corresponding to lowest possible PSLL. Uniform amplitude excitation and definite inter-element spacings range of $0.5\lambda- 1.5\lambda$ are assumed in this study. Performance of proposed method is evaluated by the numerical analysis of a 36-element USLA array. Furthermore, electromagnetic (EM) simulation study is done using a normal rectangular patch element in CST microwave studio software. The numerically computed results show considerable melioration in terms of reduction in PSLL as compared with the results obtained using methods available in literature.