Simulation-Based Design of Microstrip Linear Antenna Arrays Using Fast Radiation Response Surrogates

A fast yet accurate technique for simulation-based design of linear arrays of microstrip patch antennas is presented. Our technique includes: 1) optimization of the corrected array factor of the antenna array under design for a phase excitation taper resulting in reduced sidelobes; 2) simulation-driven optimization of the array element for element dimensions resulting in matching at and about operational frequency; and 3) simulation-driven optimization of the antenna array with controlling both radiation and reflection response. Models of different fidelity are utilized in the design process. The proposed technique produces optimized designs at the high-fidelity level of description. Operation and costs of our technique are demonstrated with design of a 10-GHz broadside linear array of slot-fed microstrip patch antennas.