Optimization and design of versatile antenna arrays

In this paper, we investigate the synthesis of antenna arrays capable of producing different radiation patterns, which can also be easily manufactured using planar Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology. To this end, we employ algorithms using simultaneous placement techniques of antennas into non-regular arrays. We also inspect the effect of symmetries in the specification upon the symmetries of the array’s geometry. The arrays are simulated via the Finite Element Method (FEM). Through numerical examples, we illustrate the scope and convergence of the method. Applications of interest include circularly polarized patterns, since the algorithm can handle the rotation as well as translation of the antenna elements, in addition to broadband systems, as the method is capable of characterizing the performance of arrays at multiple frequencies.