Improvement of planar array match by compensation through contiguous element coupling

In this paper, a method is introduced for determining the practically realizable matching characteristic of a given array radiating element configuration over an assignable scanning region. The matching scheme assumes that a simple impedance change and a reactive element may be introduced in each channel, and \pi -type reactive networks may interconnect adjacent element channels. A computer program has been developed to optimize the network components and evaluate the array match. Numerical results for a square waveguide array are presented. The method developed here provides a practical guideline in the evaluation and development of physically realizable array element configurations. The effects of this matching scheme on the radiation pattern and polarization characteristics of a single excited element in the array are discussed as well.