A Practical Array Pattern Synthesis Approach Including Mutual Coupling Effects

This paper introduces a new approach for the pattern synthesis of antenna arrays including mutual coupling effects, based on the combination of the differential evolution (DE) algorithm and the complex embedded element patterns, which can be obtained either by measurement or by full wave simulation of the array. The proposed approach has the advantage of taking into account many non-ideal effects as compared to other pattern synthesis approaches. Numerical results for the design of a 16-element printed dipole linear array with low sidelobe sum patterns and power patterns are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.