Effect of Feeding Network Configuration on Power-Weighted Linear Array Characteristics

The method of power weighting is very common and usually applied in the design of antenna array to satisfy the pattern requirements. Basically, power weighting is implemented by arranging the distribution of weighted power on the feeding network of antenna array. As a consequent, this affect the current flowing on each part of the feeding transmission line. This paper investigates the effect of feeding network configuration on the characteristics of power-weighted linear array. The types of feeding network used in the investigation include serial, corporate, and parallel types which are implemented on the modified proximity coupled technique. Characteristics comparison of these three configurations show resemblance results, especially in terms of reflection coefficient (
$S_{11}$
) and sidelobe level (SLL). In other perspective, each type of feeding network has its own advantages and drawbacks. From the results of three types of feeding network configuration on a power-weighted linear array, the value of
$S_{11}$
is between −17 dB to −12.5 dB, while the suppression of SLL is from 18 dB to 31 dB. In addition, the serial type is more promising for the development of planar array, albeit the scheme of weighting implementation tends to be more complicated.