Triangular Grid Multibeam Array and Beam Forming Networks

The use of a triangular grid gives a better relation between element density and inter-element distance, reducing the possibility of grating lobes for large pointing angles in the array. The paper presents the design of three elements multibeam antenna arrays using triangular array grid. The multibeam array works as a subarray system in a dome phased antenna array system. Meanwhile, elements are fed by a 6times3 beam forming network to obtain six beams. The networks are based on the butler matrix networks and are arranged with row and column boards which are the linear multiple beam forming networks. Finally, simulated results of such an array architecture using 6times3 network to feed an array demonstrate the validity of the design.