Synthesis of coupled antenna arrays using digital phase control via integer programming

A pattern synthesis technique for real and coupled antenna arrays by using digital phase-only excitation weights is introduced here. The method is formulated as an integer linear programming problem incorporating a fast full-wave analysis of the array, based on the finite element method and spherical mode expansions. The method achieves radiation patterns with specified pointing directions, main lobe widths, minimum sidelobe level, and prescribed nulls, controlled by digital phase shifters