Wide Scanning Characteristics of Sparse Phased Array Antennas Using an Analytical Expression for Directivity

This paper presents a generalized analytical expression for directivity of phased array antennas (PAAs). It includes important design consideration of PAAs such as arbitrary element type and array geometry, complex excitations, mutual coupling, scan angle, and embedded element pattern. We also present an approximate expression of directivity, helpful for quick analysis of large PAAs overcoming computing time constraints of analytical expressions. It provides a quick PAA design tool for predicting accurate locations of blind spots in desired scan volume due to the chosen array geometry. This paper also presents the study on wide scan characteristics of periodic sparse PAAs using the proposed expressions.