In this paper, the planar subarray structure to be optimized by using random search method for large active array antenna is presented. Although MPSL of the optimized subarray structure is 1.09dB higher, G/T of the optimized subarray structure is 2.07dB higher than the reference subarray structure.

In this paper, we present a noble pattern synthesis method of linear and planar array antennas, with non-uniform spacing, for simultaneous reduction of their side-lobe level and pattern distortion during beam steering. In the case of linear array, the Gauss-Newton method is applied to adjust the positions of elements, providing an optimal linear array in the sense of side-lobe level and pattern distortion. In the case of planar array, the concept of thinned array combined with non-uniformly spaced array is applied to obtain an optimal two dimensional (2-D) planar array structure under some constraints. The optimized non-uniformly spaced linear array is extended to the 2-D planar array structure, and it is used as an initial planar array geometry. Next, we further modify the initial 2-D planar array geometry with the aid of thinned array theory in order to reduce the maximum side-lobe level. This is implemented by a genetic algorithm under some constraints, minimizing the maximum side-lobe level of the 2-D planar array. It is shown that the proposed method can significantly reduce the pattern distortion as well as the side-lobe level, although the beam direction is scanned.