Mutual Coupling in Phased Arrays: A Review

Abstract

The mutual coupling between antenna elements affects the antenna parameters like terminal impedances, reflection coefficients and hence the antenna array performance in terms of radiation characteristics, output signal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR), and radar cross section (RCS). This coupling effect is also known to directly or indirectly influence the steady state and transient response, the resolution capability, interference rejection, and direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation competence of the array. Researchers have proposed several techniques and designs for optimal performance of phased array in a given signal environment, counteracting the coupling effect. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the methods that model and mitigate the mutual coupling effect for different types of arrays. The parameters that get affected due to the presence of coupling thereby degrading the array performance are discussed. The techniques for optimization of the antenna characteristics in the presence of coupling are also included.

Security Optimization of Exposure Region-Based Beamforming With a Uniform Circular Array

“…In this paper, we choose the NEC tool [26] to build a numerical model as an example to examine the impact of the mutual coupling, although any analytical model will apply. The NEC tool serves as a numerical method to calculate array patterns that include the mutual coupling effect, and its results are well accepted in the literature [30], [31].…”

Antenna Performance Improvement in Elliptical Array Using RMI Method of Mutual Coupling Compensation

“…The concept of receiving mutual impedance was suggested [11] as an alternative to the concept of conventional mutual impedance [12]. In fact, the need to handle mutual coupling problems differently in transmitting and receiving arrays has been noted before in mobile communications [13] and [14].…”

A Comparative Analysis of Evolutionary Algorithms for Synthesis of Scanned Linear Array of Mutually Coupled Parallel Dipole Antennas

“…Although various geometries of antenna arrays are available, a very commonly used one is the linear antenna array that produces a sufficiently narrow beam along with wide null depth in required angles. Several antenna array synthesis techniques dealing with various design parameters including null placements have been discussed in the literature [2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

“…Null synthesis by phase control for antenna arrays [4] and pattern nulling using perturbation of phases [5] also shows the importance of null placement in radiation patterns. Since mutual coupling plays an important role in degradation of radiation patterns, Antenna array synthesis technique have concentrated on the inclusion of this coupling in various dimensions, namely, design of phasedifferentiated reconfigurable array antennas with a minimum value of the dynamic range ratio [6], Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) versus Genetic Algorithms (GA) for phased array synthesis [7] and Mutual Coupling in Phased Arrays [8].…”