Fast Synthesis of Large Planar Arrays Using Active Element Pattern Method and Fine- Grained Parallel Micro-genetic Algorithm

A radiation pattern synthesis technique for large planar arrays with active element pattern (AEP) method and fine-grained parallel micro-genetic algorithm (FGPMGA) is presented. Based on the AEP method, the mutual coupling between array elements can be taken into account. Analysis problems of large rectangular and triangular grid planar arrays are divided into small linear array problems. And for a multiple concentric circular ring array, we only need to obtain one-sixth of all AEPs. So computational cost is greatly reduced. Large planar arrays with low side lobe level (SLL) can be achieved via optimizing the excitation amplitudes and phases. In order to reduce the global optimization time, the FGPMGA is used. This technique is applied to design 256-element rectangular grid, 200element triangular grid and 4-circle 60-element concentric circular ring E-shaped patch antenna arrays. The radiation patterns calculated by the AEP method show good agreements with those by using CST Microwave Studio.