Base station design for sector coverage using a genetic algorithm with the method of moments

Base station antennas for sector coverage must frequently maintain tight control of the azimuth pattern shape, with elevation fill and electrical downtilt capability often required as well. This is typically accomplished with one or more linear array elevation columns, using the minimum number necessary to produce the desired sector coverage. The azimuth pattern, then, is a function of the elevation column weighting and the elevation column patterns. Genetic algorithms are well suited to cross-section optimization for a desired azimuth pattern, either for a conventional chassis or a more complex shaped reflector surface. The key requirement is availability of an efficient scattering solution, provided in this work by 2D method of moments (MoM).