Analysis of novel non-uniform spaced array system

We present a novel approach to non-uniformly spaced array of radiating elements and evaluate its performance and its application potential. In general non-uniformly spaced array elements are difficult if not impossible to analyze. It is often not possible to derive analytically a closed form expression for its radiating pattern. In addition radiating elements of the array are just the primary radiating types (e.g., dipoles, slots, horns etc.). This restricts array design to array factor manipulation only. In the present work, an array is made of array units, where each array unit is a compactly designed array of some primary radiating elements such as dipoles to provide the desired radiating elemental pattern. It is important to note that, the spacing between the primary radiating elements in the array unit is different from the spacing between the array units forming the array. This provides an extra parameter of control in shaping and steering the radiating pattern of the array. The advantage of this system is complete control over the radiation pattern of the array units. We demonstrate this system using array unit made of two dipole elements linearly displaced from each other to produce the desired radiating pattern of the array unit. The unit is then used in linear and planar array systems. The radiation patterns of the two systems are evaluated against traditional array systems. One benefit is that, the radiation pattern of the array unit can be modified to any desired pattern required.