Practical impedance matching of a phased array radiating element

The impedance variations that occur in phase-scanned arrays should be considered during the design of the array radiating element. A general method for selecting the impedance matching section of an array element is discussed. The method makes use of element impedance data and a simple equivalent circuit for the element feed to minimize the mismatch losses in the array. The steps followed in the design of an X-band dipole element and a Ku-band ridged waveguide element are presented to illustrate the procedure.