Linear, Planar, and Circular Array Radiation Patterns

Fundamentals of Antenna Array Radiation Patterns

Antenna array radiation patterns (beam patterns) visually demonstrate the spatial distribution characteristics of radiated energy. Different array configurations produce unique radiation properties, with linear arrays, planar arrays, and circular arrays each having distinct features commonly used in engineering applications:

Linear Array Pattern Polar plot displays a "figure-8" shape with main lobes symmetric along the array axis 3D pattern resembles a saddle shape, forming nulls in directions perpendicular to the array axis Grating lobes can be suppressed by adjusting element spacing through code implementations like spacing = wavelength/2

Planar Array Pattern Polar plot shows multiple symmetric lobes 3D pattern exhibits pencil-shaped main beam, suitable for precise direction finding Side lobe levels can be controlled through 2D weighting functions (e.g., Hamming, Chebyshev weighting algorithms)

Circular Array Pattern Polar plot demonstrates circularly symmetric radiation 3D pattern shows conical beam shape, ideal for omnidirectional coverage Beam steering can be achieved through phase control using phase_shift = 2*pi*R*cos(theta) calculations

Visualization Methods Polar plots are suitable for observing azimuth-elevation plane radiation characteristics, while 3D plots comprehensively display spatial radiation fields. Modern simulation tools can automatically generate both views, with 3D plots typically using color mapping to represent radiation intensity through functions like meshgrid() and surf() in MATLAB.