Sector beam synthesis using antenna arrays

This paper is concerned with the generation of sector beams for antenna arrays which have the property of approximately constant gain across a wide angular region. Two methods for weight vector synthesis are proposed, one is derived from linear optimization theory and the other is based on a genetic algorithm. Both approaches are successful, but it is found that the nonlinear optimization procedure of the genetic algorithm can provide superior performance. The techniques described are universally applicable to arrays of antennas with isotropic or nonisotropic radiation patterns, which may be arranged in an arbitrary configuration. For an active array with one power amplifier per antenna, the optimal weights for transmission are different to those for reception. Consequently, the basic genetic algorithm was enhanced to generate transmission sector beams which trade some sector ripple for increased power amplifier utilization.