On the synthesis of reliable linear arrays through interval arithmetic

The robust design of linear antenna arrays is addressed in this work by means of an optimization technique based on Interval Analysis. Supposing the amplitude weights of the array elements characterized by tolerance errors around the nominal values, these latter are optimized by means of a stochastic global algorithm such that the tolerance bounds of the arising power pattern fit user-defined mask constraints. The results of a preliminary numerical assessment are reported to show the behavior of the proposed synthesis method towards the robust design of an array generating a pencil beam.