Flat-Top Sector Beams Using Only Array Element Phase Weighting: A Metaheuristic Optimization Approach.

摘要

The development of wide 'flat-top' sector main beams by control of only the excitation phase of phased array elements is described. Pattern parameters are determined by an optimization approach using Visual Basic macros that control the repetitive application of Microsoft Excel's Solver spreadsheet add-in. By only controlling element phases with maximum equal amplitude signals, maximum integrated beam power is achieved. The basic common structure is a linear array of equally spaced elements optimized in a single angular plane. Applied to a square or triangular grid array, their parameters are combined to produce beams along two orthogonal principal planes, resulting in a square or rectangular flat-top profile. Circularly symmetric beam profiles are developed using a circular grid array. The impact of optimization, element phase precision, sector ripple, sidelobe levels, and integrated power are analyzed in some detail. The goal is to provide sufficient documented procedural detail that can then be specialized to specific array requirements.