Antenna pattern synthesis in operational environments with electromagnetic compatibility based constraints

A general linear least-squares synthesis technique is presented that takes into account mutual coupling among array elements and interaction with the array's physical surroundings. Previous experience indicates that significant alterations to the amplitude and phase of an array's response can occur due to mutual coupling between array elements and the presence of nearby structures. This behavior can be particularly acute for arrays mounted aboard ships, on aircraft, on satellites or buildings. The virtue of the technique presented here is that it can be easily applied to optimize the radiation pattern of arbitrary arrays in their operational environment while simultaneously providing electromagnetic compatibility based constraints. Two of the most common electromagnetic compatibility problems are addressed by this array pattern synthesis technique, namely the coupling between the array and another antenna mounted on the vehicle and the coupling of radiated energy from the array into the interior of the vehicle through nearby apertures. Both numerical and experimental examples are presented to illustrate the approach.