Analysis of coupling between parallel thick dipoles within antenna arrays

For the design of large dipole switched array antennas, an approximate input impedance model for a dipole in an array environment is extended. The objective of the model is to generate reasonably accurate results in a minimum of time. The extension allows for the application of thick dipoles. The extended approximate model is compared to a three-term dipole-dipole coupling model and full-wave analysis results. The extended approximate model gives reasonably accurate results for dipole distances down to 0.20λ for unequal length dipole elements and down to 0.35λ for equal length dipole elements. The three-term model improves the accuracy further at the expense of a more complex model. Both models generate results in times that are orders of magnitude smaller than when a full wave analysis program is being employed.