Dual-band virtual antenna array with time modulation in presence of position perturbations

• Published in: Telecommunication systems Vol. 81; no. 4; pp. 539 - 547
• Main Authors: Garza, Jesús C., Reyna, Alberto, Balderas, Luz I., Panduro, Marco A., García, Lourdes Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.12.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Ad hoc networks; Aircraft; Algorithms; Antenna arrays; Antennas; Arrays; Artificial Intelligence; Business and Management; Computer Communication Networks; Directivity; Drones; Evolutionary computation; Ground stations; Harmonics; IT in Business; Microstrip antennas; Modulation; Multiple objective analysis; Optimization; Perturbation; Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes; Radiation; Sidelobe reduction; Sidelobes; Slot antennas; Telecommunications systems; Differential evolution; Flying ad-hoc network; Time modulation; Unmanned aerial vehicles; Virtual antenna arrays; Dual-band array
• ISSN: 1018-4864; 1572-9451
• DOI: 10.1007/s11235-022-00960-9

This research presents a design approach of a dual-band virtual antenna array for future flying ad-hoc networks. The design approach consists in applying non-uniform positions and the time modulation technique as element excitations. The main problem is to generate the positions and time sequences that permit low side lobes, as well as low harmonics in the radiation pattern of 2.4 GHz and 5.5 GHz. This problem is solved by utilizing the algorithm of differential evolution for multiobjective optimization. It is presented a virtual array with eight microstrip fed-slot antennas mounted on real drone bodies. The results are analyzed with a comparison among the patterns generated of a uniform array, the patterns generated of a non-uniform array and the pattern generated of a non-uniform array with perturbations in the element positions. The results show the good performance of the array even if the element positions are perturbed due to the sudden flight movements. It was achieved a side lobe level reduction of 7.36 dBi for 2.4 GHz and 5.8 dBi for 5.5 GHz with respect to the maximum directivity of the main lobe. And a harmonic level reduction of 7.7 dBi for both frequencies with respect to the maximum directivity of the main lobe.