A Method for Analyzing a Linear Series-Fed Rectangular Microstrip Antenna Array

A novel method of analysis for a linear series-fed microstrip antenna array is developed, which is based on a set of canonical coefficients defined for the elements of the array. This method accounts for the mutual coupling between the elements, and allows for a design that has an arbitrary amplitude and phase of the radiating patch currents. This method has the simplicity of a CAD approach while maintaining an accuracy close to that of a full-wave method. The coefficients involved in the formulation are determined by full-wave simulation on either a single patch element or on two patch elements (for mutual coupling calculations).