A Novel Optimal Subarray Partition Method for Large Uniform Linear Array based on Hierarchical Clustering Algorithm

In large-sized uniform linear array (ULA) antennas, in order to reduce the complexity and application cost, it is necessary to use subarray partition technology to optimally divide the antenna array. A novel optimal subarray partition method for large ULA antennas based on the Hierarchical clustering algorithm is proposed in this paper. This method combines fast Fourier transform (FFT) and Hierarchical clustering algorithm to optimize the antenna array with low sidelobe. In this way, the beampattern of array antenna has low sidelobe while the mainlobe points to the desired direction. The large ULA antennas can be divided into subarrays successfully. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by numerical simulations.