Low-sidelobe arrays fed by a uniform-distribution feeding network

Low-sidelobe arrays typically use feeding networks with appropriate amplitude and phase distributions, which, in some cases, can be lossy and narrow-band as a result of their complexity. In the new approach presented in this paper, a simple uniform distribution feeds the array elements, which are not uniformly positioned in the traditional uniform grid. The location of the array elements is such that the sidelobes of the array factor are “pushed” in the end-fire direction. There, the element pattern is low enough in amplitude to effectively suppress the array-factor sidelobes to the required level. The combination of the simple uniform-distribution feeding network and the spatial distribution of the array elements results in a simple design for a low-sidelobe array