Information Theoretic Evaluation and Optimization of Antenna Systems

摘要

The need for statistical analysis and optimization in antenna systems is discussed. The antenna and microwave equipment back of the antenna terminals is still, by and large, designed by classical techniques without the use of statistical criteria. To eliminate this difficulty the antenna should be included as part of the overall system to be optimized. This is accomplished in this report by extending statistical concepts from the temporal domain into the space-time domain. Two statistical criteria are developed and their application illustrated by examples. The first criterion is the maximization of (space-time) information content and rate. The second criterion is the minimization of information content and rate in the error (deviation between desired and actual output). General conditions are derived which must be complied with by linear antennas in order to satisfy the above criteria. These criteria are applied to a comparative evaluation of reciprocal and nonreciprocal antenna systems, and the optimum antenna configurations derived for various signal and noise conditions.