Zero steering in the directional pattern of a linear array in the presence of mutual coupling

The effects of mutual coupling and other errors on the directional performance of a zero-steering system for a linear array are considered. Some measured directional patterns, obtained from two different experimental systems employing 4-element-dipole arrays, are shown. The first model employs components of moderate accuracy, the second is a much more complex model are also shown. With a total of four dummy elements, the directional minima were between 20 and 50dB below the mainbeam response over a 180° sector in all measured patterns. Simplified systems for steering a restricted number of zeros, and the application of Zero-steering systems to planar arrays are also discussed.