Scan performance of infinite arrays of microstrip-fed dipoles with bent arms printed on protruding substrates

E-plane scan results are presented for infinite arrays of microstrip-fed dipoles printed on protruding dielectric substrates. Active impedance values are calculated for dipoles with bent arms and for the array with a near-field dielectric radome cover. It is found that bending the dipole's arms produces a small improvement in the scan range, as compared to the element with the arms straight, and that a dielectric radome with a low permittivity causes a small shift in the impedance curves. The scan limitation of the array is dictated, however, by the presence of the coplanar feedlines with improvement achievable by varying the substrate's thickness and permittivity as well as the dipole/feed geometry. A dipole element with a modified coplanar feed design is introduced for wider scan coverage.<
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