Mutual coupling computation and effects in phased array microstrip antennas

Mutual coupling of antenna elements can degenerate the performance of a phased array. The analysis of these unintended effects using a conventional method of moments leads to a huge number of basis functions and unknowns, respectively. A new approximation technique is presented which uses only a few complex shaped basis functions for every antenna element. These new basis functions found on the current distribution of an isolated radiator. Simulation results show very good agreement with a conventional method of moments besides tremendously reduced memory requirement and computation time. The deterioration of the antenna performance is shown by a couple examples