Input Impedance and Radiation Pattern of Phased Arrays of Rectangular Microstrip Patch Antennas with a Dielectric Cover

The input impedances of phased arrays of rectangular patch antennas with a dielectric cover are calculated by solving an integral equation for the antenna currents in the spectral domain. Radiation patterns are evaluated by considering the contribution of the saddlepoint only. Both input impedances and radiation patterns are examined if the array is scanned out of broadside or if a layer of ice alters the stratification. It is shown that antennas can be found which are less sensitive to icing.