Performance Analysis of Dolph-Tschebyscheff Array for Different SLL and Array Length

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis on performance of Dolph-Tschebyscheff distribution for different array length and side lobe levels has been presented in this paper. Dolph-Tschebyscheff array, which is a compromise between binomial and uniform array, produces optimum side lobe level, efficiency, and half power beamwidth, hence, it is referred to as optimum distribution. For a larger number of elements, the Tschebyscheff array demands higher side lobe suppression in order to avoid the abrupt amplitude distribution at the edges that results from more elements and lower side lobe suppression, at the same time, higher side lobe suppression decreases aperture efficiency and gain. These novel analyses have been carried out by computing parameters such as power pattern, first side lobe level, directivity and half power beamwidth. Plots for optimum SLL and critical SLL are derived for a range of array elements, which defines three regions assisting in selection of appropriate number of elements and desired major-to-minor lobe levels for linear/planar array antenna designs. Practical array analysis is proposed by approximating the amplitude of arrays’ end elements, whenever it becomes higher than their adjacent elements.