A novel design method for Blass matrix beam-forming networks

Author

Mosca, Stefano ; Bilotti, Filiberto ; Toscano, Alessandro ; Vegni, Lucio

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electron. Eng., Rome Univ., Italy

Volume

50

Issue

2

fYear

2002

fDate

2/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

225

Lastpage

232

Abstract

A novel design method for lossy Blass matrix beam-forming networks (LBNMFNs) is presented. Compared to those formerly developed, the new method allows the design of an LBMBFN in order to generate not only two simultaneous beams but also an arbitrary number of them. This skill is obtained by means of a new approach to minimize losses that allows one to transform a nonlinear multivariable programming problem into a linear one-variable problem. The solution of such a design problem, then, can be carried out in a very straightforward way by applying Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization. Such a design method takes into account also the limited availability of coupling values of directional couplers. Numerical results obtained through the application of such a design method are then presented. The ease, accuracy, and efficiency of this novel method for the design of LBMBFN make it very useful in modern applications of multibeam antenna arrays

Keywords

antenna arrays; antenna feeds; array signal processing; linear antenna arrays; linear programming; multibeam antennas; network synthesis; Blass matrix beam-forming networks; Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization; array signal processing; coupling values; directional couplers; multibeam antenna arrays; uniform linear array; Antenna arrays; Base stations; Butler matrix; Design methodology; Earth; Frequency; Mobile communication; Radar antennas; Space time codes; Terrestrial atmosphere;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Antennas and Propagation, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-926X

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/8.997999

Filename

997999