Title :
Smart antennas based on spatial multiplexing of local elements (SMILE) for mutual coupling reduction
Author :
Fredrick, Jonathan D. ; Wang, Yuanxun ; Itoh, Tatsuo
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. Eng., Univ. of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Abstract :
A new method for reducing mutual coupling in a smart antenna array using patch antenna elements is proposed. In a recently introduced smart antenna architecture, the spatial multiplexing of local elements (SMILE) scheme, the newly proposed array feed network affects mutual coupling. It is demonstrated that proper design of the feed network may reduce mutual coupling significantly, yielding nearly ideal radiation characteristics. Numerical solutions are used to study and optimize the currents on the surface of a four-element C-band patch antenna array and feed network. Radiation patterns of the same array with different feed networks are also computed. Results show a reduction in sidelobe level of several decibels, increased accuracy in beam pointing during scan, and improved depth and placement.
Keywords :
adaptive antenna arrays; array signal processing; direction-of-arrival estimation; electromagnetic coupling; microstrip antenna arrays; multiplexing; SMILE; array feed network design; beam pointing accuracy; current optimization; depth improvement; digital beamforming; four-element C-band patch antenna array; mutual coupling reduction; radiation characteristics; radiation pattern; sidelobe level reduction; smart antenna array; spatial multiplexing of local element; Adaptive arrays; Antenna arrays; Antenna feeds; Array signal processing; Direction of arrival estimation; Hardware; Mutual coupling; Patch antennas; Phased arrays; Radio frequency;
Journal_Title :
Antennas and Propagation, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TAP.2003.818798