Basic Considerations in the Design of Arrays

Seven commonly-used antenna array elements are compared. Two design equations per radiator are needed regardless of the element chosen. Selfimpedance and mutual-impedance characterizations differentiate the seven elements with respect to ease of design. At present, in the microwave range, the most precise designs occur with the use of waveguide-fed slots. Mutual coupling is a serious problem and cannot be ignored if low sidelobe performance is desired, even in large arrays.