Nonlinear Synthesis of a Linear Active Oscillator Antenna Array Using Harmonic Balance and EM Simulation

A linear active antenna array is designed using harmonic balance combined with moment method EM simulation. Beam steering is achieved by properly tuning the frequency of the edge elements of the array. Application of auxiliary generators in the harmonic balance formulation enables one to optimize the free running oscillation solution and trace the constant progressive phase solutions along the array elements. The individual oscillators are coupled using broadband transmission line networks and the EM simulator provides the additional radiation coupling among the array elements. The time evolution of the progressive phase solutions is observed with envelope transient simulation. The effect of radiation coupling in the scanning range is investigated and is properly accounted for by optimization of loading networks located at the array edge elements