Pattern Synthesis of Large Linear Arrays Using Nonuniformly-Spaced Subarrays

In this paper, we develop a new algorithm for pattern synthesis of large linear arrays. In our algorithm, the large linear array is divided into multiple disjoint nonuniformly-spaced subarrays and is only weighted at subarray level. Unlike the existing methods, the subarray synthesis is implemented in two stages. Firstly, the optimization of subarray partition and subarray weights are performed by using the K-means approach. Based on the determined subarray partition and subarray weights, the subarray element positions are further optimized by the iterative convex programming method. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods, the proposed algorithm can synthesize lower peak sidelobe level and yield smaller pattern matching error. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.