Genetic Algorithm Based Optimization for Concentric Circular Antenna Array Design

This paper presents the implementation of the Genetic Algorithm to optimize the design of a large-scale sparse receiving array for innovative bistatic radar systems aimed at space debris detection. The optimization procedure is employed to find a preliminary configuration for a thinned array that exhibits maximum side lobe level suppression and simultaneously reduces the number of active elements. The results obtained through the exploited strategy are compared with those of the basic configuration with uniformly fed elements and those resulting from the use of tapering with traditional windowing techniques. The proposed thinned array configuration shows a peak directivity of 33.5 dBi and a Side Lobe Level (SLL) of -31.5 dB in the principal planes, with a 19 % reduction of the number of elements, meeting the specifications required by the application scenario.