The Mythical Uniform Linear Antenna Array

The standard mathematical model used to describe a uniform linear antenna array (ULA) is in fact the array factor of the ULA which depends only on the phase differences between the antenna locations. This model is independent of the specific antennas being used and does not capture key aspects of the antenna array such as: the radiation pattern of the antennas, mutual coupling, sensitivity to signal polarization, and elevation dependence. In spite of its numerous shortcomings this model still dominates the array signal processing literature. The paper discusses various aspects of the mismatch between the standard ULA model and a real ULA comprised of physical antennas.