Synthesis of symmetric flattop radiation patterns

In this communication, the design of ring arrays that produce symmetric flattop radiation patterns with low sidelobes is presented. The equivalent linear array approach is used in the design of the array. A newly developed iterative algorithm is employed to obtain a prototype linear array that generates a desired flattop pattern. A new concept of common scale factor of ring arrays is introduced, which not only adds flexibility to the design, but also reduces the complexity of the array. In the design examples presented, it is shown that an almost flattop pattern with maximum ripple less than 0.075 dB and sidelobe levels less than 28 dB can be achieved using only 10 ring radiators