A model for the active element pattern of array elements including both mutual coupling and platform effects

We propose an improved model to describe the active element patterns of an array that includes both the mutual coupling and platform effects. The key idea is to represent the additional scattering effect from the platform by point scatterers. Based on the proposed model, we next devise an algorithm to extract the model parameters from the observed array response (i.e., the active element patterns) at a limited number of angles. The algorithm entails using a matching pursuit approach to iteratively extract the model parameters. At each stage of the iteration, the amplitude and position of the next strongest scatterer is determined. The process continues until the difference between the model and the actual response becomes negligible. Computer simulation results show that the actual array response can be accurately recovered from the improved model. Consequently, this model can be used to effectively interpolate complex array responses from either measurement or computation made at a limited number of angles.