Antenna arrays

Linear microstrip array with squinted main beam

Antennas often consist of arrays of contributing elements, either with direct feeds for each element or via indirect coupling. Designers have to consider not only the characteristics of the individual elements, but also for the entire array. Depending on the complexity of the array such analyses can become computationally very expensive.

The Method of Moments (MoM) based formulation of FEKO does not mesh or discretise the free-space region between array elements, resulting in very efficient use of computational resources.  FEKO also provides the Multilevel Fast Multipole Method (MLFMM) as an accurate solution to electrically large problems.

Planar microstrip antenna arrays can be solved with the special infinite, planar, multi-layer dielectric MoM solver. Finite dielectric structures can be modelled with the MoM for finite bodies. When the dielectric constants are highly varying the hybrid FEM/MoM or FEM/MLFMM techniques may be used. These techniques are also very useful in modelling large arrays.

Large arrays may still require large amounts of computational resources.  In these cases the MoM with periodic boundary conditions (PBC) may be used with great effect to analyse the radiation patterns of such arrays.

Periodic Boundary Analysis of Large Arrays: Unit cell	Periodic Boundary Analysis of Large Arrays: 3D Radiation pattern of array