Compensate for the coupled radiation patterns of compact transmitting antenna arrays

Abstract

An effective method is suggested to compensate for the mutual coupling in the coupled array patterns of compact antenna arrays. By using the mutual impedances of the antenna elements, the authors showed that it is possible to design compensation networks that can remove the distortion on array patterns due to the mutual coupling effect. The compensated array patterns enable us to predict the radiation characteristics of compact antenna arrays using the principle of pattern multiplication based on their ideal and isolated element patterns. Equations for the construction of such compensation networks are obtained and the realisation method is discussed. With these compensation networks, further conventional port-decoupling and matching circuits can be designed and connected to their inputs to achieve maximum power transfer from the source to the antenna array. Numerical examples on dipole and monopole arrays demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the method. © 2011The Institution of Engineering and Technology.