Pattern Beam in Array Antennas: Performance Calculation and Simulation

Array antennas represent a fundamental antenna configuration widely employed to enhance wireless communication system performance. In array antenna systems, the radiation pattern serves as a critical performance parameter, characterizing the spatial distribution of radiated energy across different directions. The directivity coefficient acts as a key metric for evaluating antenna radiation capability, defined as the ratio of radiation power in the main lobe direction to that of an isotropic radiator. The half-power beamwidth (HPBW) denotes the angular range where the radiation power drops to half of the main lobe peak value in the radiation pattern. Computational analysis and simulation of these parameters are essential for array antenna design and optimization. From an implementation perspective, antenna pattern calculation typically involves array factor computation through phase weighting across elements. The directivity coefficient can be derived using integration algorithms over spherical coordinates, while HPBW determination requires numerical methods to identify -3dB points in the radiation pattern. MATLAB's Phased Array System Toolbox provides built-in functions like 'pattern' for direct radiation pattern visualization and 'beamwidth' for automated HPBW calculation, enabling efficient parameter extraction through vectorized operations.