Antenna Array Design Based on Kaiser-Hamming Polynomials

Antenna arrays with constrained dynamic range ratio of excitation coefficients have received much attention in recent years. This is because the coefficients with a low ratio allow diminishing of the mutual coupling between the array elements, reduction of the output power loss, and simplification of the feeding network design. In the design of such arrays, the dynamic range ratio can be specified, limited, or minimized. In this paper, we propose a class of symmetrical linear arrays with specified dynamic range ratio. The excitation coefficients are obtained by discretization of a partially flat function which is expressed by the Kaiser-Hamming polynomial. Since this polynomial offers adjustable orders of flatness of the excitation function, we present a straightforward method for finding the orders yielding the pencil beam with a minimum sidelobe level. In comparison with other analytically based methods providing low dynamic range ratios, the proposed technique brings the lowest sidelobe level.