A simple method for optimal antenna array thinning using a broadside MaxGain beamformer

A simple and effective method for optimal antenna array thinning employing a broadside-scanned maximum gain beamformer is presented. Starting from a fully populated λ/2-spaced regular lattice, the array is thinned by progressively “turning off” the element(s) with the lowest weight(s) of the weight vector realizing maximum gain. The accuracy and effectiveness of the method is validated against a rigorous combinatorial search method that can be used to find the optimal irregular array configuration solution in small to moderate-sized arrays. Furthermore, to evaluate the robustness of the proposed approach, the effects of beam steering have been investigated for linear arrays consisting of 10-40 antenna elements as well. Good results can be obtained for close to broadside scanned arrays, which is of importance for the directly radiating arrays that are currently being considered as modern satellite systems.