Synthesis of antenna arrays using a modified complex number coded genetic algorithm

A complex number coded genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed; it can be used in the synthesis of antenna array patterns. Unlike a conventional GA using binary coding and binary crossover, this method directly represents the array excitation weighting vectors as complex number chromosomes and uses linear crossover. For fast convergence, this algorithm uses the three chromosome linear crossover method. Compared with conventional GAs, this algorithm has a few advantages: giving a clearer and simpler representation of the problem; simplifying chromosome construction; totally avoiding binary encoding and decoding. Computer simulations show that it can be used as a general tool for the synthesis of antenna array patterns.