Linear Antenna Array Synthesis Using Improved Particle Swarm Optimization

In this paper the synthesis of linear array geometry with minimum side lobe level using a new class of Particle Swarm Optimization technique namely Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) is described. The IPSO algorithm is a newly proposed, high-performance evolutionary algorithm capable of solving general N-dimensional, linear and nonlinear optimization problems. Compared to other evolutionary methods such as genetic algorithms and simulated annealing, the IPSO algorithm is much easier to understand and implement and requires the least of mathematical pre-processing. The array geometry synthesis is first formulated as an optimization problem with the goal of side lobe level (SLL) suppression, and then solved by the IPSO algorithm for the optimum element locations and current excitations. Five design examples are presented that illustrate the use of the IPSO algorithm, and the optimization goal in each example is easily achieved.