Design, optimization and characterization of a superdirective antenna array

This paper presents the design and the entire experimental characterization of a superdirective antenna array. The antenna system is composed of two closely spaced bow-tie monopoles fed by a power divider associated to a Matching Network (MN) and a Decoupling Network (DN). Given the high accuracy required for achieving superdirectivity in terms of amplitude and phase excitations, the radiating elements, the DN and the MN have been separately designed and experimentally characterized using a hybrid simulation/measurement method. Finally, the return loss and the 3D radiation patterns of the entire antenna system have been measured and compared with simulations. A 10dB directivity is achieved for this 0.13λ spaced antenna array, which validate the superdirectivity benefit and gives perspectives in terms of miniaturized high gain antenna systems for WIFI set-top box applications.