The aim of this paper is to investigate the main aspects of the synthesis of plane wave generators (PWGs) i.e., arrays capable of emulating a plane wave, or a superposition of plane waves, in a given region. In particular, we introduce new figures of merit, particularly suitable for PWG synthesis procedures, and simple guidelines regarding size and shape of the PWG, as well as the number of radiating sources needed to synthesize the required plane waves. The performance limits of a PWG are analyzed, in terms of indexes related to the stability of the solution and to the level of the field amplitude on the lateral walls of the anechoic chamber in which the PWG is placed. Finally we present a synthesis method for PWGs, based on a planar sparse array architecture. Starting from the previously achieved results, a novel effective synthesis procedure is introduced. By means of such a procedure we are also able to take explicitly into account the mechanical and electrical tolerances in the PWG realization. In such a way we can assure the best performances, given the unavoidable errors in the positioning and excitation of the radiating elements.

Aim of this paper is to discuss a novel technique for sparse array synthesis. The synthesis strategy is based on a sparse-forcing algorithm using an improvement of the reweighted ℓ1 minimization proposed in the framework of the compressed-sensing literature, specifically modified in order to tailor both linear and conformal array synthesis problems. The numerical examples show that the proposed algorithm improves the results provided by concurrent techniques, reducing the number of radiating elements and/or the computational effort.

We introduce an effective antenna array synthesis algorithm, aimed to the generation sparse arrays radiating patterns with arbitrary upper bounds. The approach, based on a convex optimization, exploits an iterative polygonal expansion and contraction of the sources, and is suitable for the synthesis of linear and planar array. Numerical simulations show that the proposed algorithm allows a degree of sparsification equal or better than the one achievable by concurrent algorithms, with a significantly lower computational burden with respect to the best ones, allowing the effective synthesis of sparse arrays of hundreds of wavelengths with simple office computers.

A generalized hybrid algorithm for the synthesis of uniform amplitude ring-arrays is introduced. The method exploits the analytical properties of the field radiated by a circular array in order to get advantages from the use of convex programming techniques. The method, aimed to the synthesis of circularly symmetric patterns, is very flexible and allows the use of different kind of feeds as well as stepped excitations. The synthesis procedure is demonstrated in the case of high-directivity pencil beam patterns.

A novel type of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna employing parasitic elements is presented. A proper model for the parasitic-MIMO system is first discussed and then numerically and experimentally investigated. The results show that the proposed solution can significantly improve the performance of the communication system with a minimum impact on the complexity and cost of the overall system

Non-periodic, sparse Direct Radiating Arrays employing equi-amplitude (isophoric) radiators represent an appealing solution to meet the requirements of next satellite services. In this work we address the synthesis of isophoric sparse arrays capable of radiating highly steerable pencil beams, in order to meet the requirement of full Earth coverage from GEO orbits. To this aim, we first of all perform an analytical study that allows assessing the geometrical constraints that the desired beam steerability puts on the design of the array layout. Starting from such results, in the second part of the work we address the actual synthesis of the sparse array. The proposed strategy consists in the synthesis of the optimal radiating feed followed by the synthesis of the array layout capable of taking into account the aforementioned geometrical constraints as well as the feeds' pattern, in such a way to guarantee satisfaction of the side lobe level constraint for every steered beam. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed synthesis strategy.