Active impedance computation for an infinite array of monolithic integrated circuit antennas

Numerical methods for calculating the current distributions for structures composed of dielectric and metallic parts have been applied to a class of monolithic microwave integrated circuit antennas comprising a metal strip dipole contiguous with the edge of an ungrounded extension of the substrate. Each antenna protrudes through a slot in a ground plane. Due to the large number of segments required for the analysis, the complete analysis of arrays of more than three or four elements is impractical, even with large computing resources. For this reason, design calculations based on uniform infinite array assumptions are useful in determining the effect of the array environment on the element design. A uniform infinite array analysis on monolithically integrated metal strip dipole design is considered. Results of a numerical investigation into the effect of beam steering on the active impedance of an infinite array of antennas proposed for use as monolithic microwave integrated circuit array elements are presented. In particular, the effect of feedline scattering was addressed, and a numerical model was developed to analyze the performance of the array.<>