The totally random versus the bin approach for random arrays

The array factors and the statistical properties for two types of random arrays, namely, the totally random and the binned random arrays, are compared. In totally random arrays, the array elements are distributed independently across a common aperture according to some common probability distribution function. In binned arrays, the aperture is divided into nonoverlapping bins of equal length and array elements are distributed independently, one per bin, according to some probability distribution across each of the bins. Significant differences exist in the resulting array factors and underlying statistical properties for the two types of random arrays. These differences are delineated, with particular emphasis upon the depressed near-in sidelobe behavior that is observed for the binned arrays. Tables and plots that illustrate the differences are included, and several issues pertaining to implementation are noted.<>