Linear pattern correction in a small microstrip antenna array

Mutual coupling effects on the radiation patterns of small microstrip antenna arrays suitable for mobile communications applications are studied. The correction of experimental antenna patterns by changing array feed coefficients is examined for 5 GHz linear microstrip arrays with different element spacings. The use of either the element radiation patterns or the scattering parameters to determine the correction matrix is studied. It is shown that the correction can decrease considerably the difference between the real and desired array patterns. The validity of the correction is proven also over a frequency band of 5.0-5.4 GHz using fixed corrected input vectors over the whole frequency band.