Analysis of the design of the thinned antenna array pattern using the desired function

The problem of designing a thinning array with contradicting optimization constraints is examined. The genetic algorithm is illustrated for the search mechanism. The array is assumed to be linear with uniform elements of identical excitation; phase and amplitude. The elements in the array are assumed to be either on (active) or off (passive). The desirability function is utilized to combine the two requirements for narrow beam width and low side lobe levels. The effect of thinning of the array is examined. It is observed that thinning improves the side lobe levels without harming the half power beam width optimization. The thinning ratio and the convergence values are examined for different array lengths. Optimized antenna patterns for different array lengths are illustrated.