Pattern characteristics of linear arrays using the constrained least squares distribution

The constrained least squares (CLS) distribution is a method for obtaining distribution functions that yield low sidelobe patterns with specified constraints on the aperture efficiency, and are especially useful for the transmit patterns of active array antennas. The widely used Taylor distribution optimizes only pattern performance while the CLS distribution optimizes pattern performance while taking into account the constraints on both the peak element amplitude and the total effective radiated voltage (ERV) of the aperture distribution. This paper compares the pattern characteristics of linear arrays with CLS and Taylor distributions. The results help to establish guidelines on when a CLS distribution would be preferable over a Taylor distribution when a specified aperture efficiency is important.