Antenna Array: Design, Working, Type and Applications

Introduction:
The antenna is the most essential component of the radio equipment and the antennas were first
developed by Heinrich Hertz in the year 1888. Later on, the antennas were developed to use for long-
distance applications and wireless telegraphy. Moving on with the concept of antenna, Ferdinand
Braun invented the concept of antenna array by placing three monopoles in the form of a triangle.
An antenna, when individually can radiate an amount of energy, in a particular direction, resulting in
better transmission, how it would be if few more elements are added it, to produce more efficient
output. It is exactly this idea, which led to the invention of Antenna arrays.

What is an Array antenna?

The name of the antenna array indicates that it is an array of antennas connected together to function
as a single antenna that is employed for the transmission and reception of radio waves. It is also
termed the radiating system that includes individual components (antennas) and radiators. Every
radiator in the system that operates holds its specific induction field. The antennas that are in the
system are so closely placed to one another that one antenna lies in the induction field of other
antennas. So the radiation pattern of the system is considered to be the vector sum of all the individual
antennas, as shown below.

Figure 1.1 Array antenna

While placing the antennas in an array, the spacing between antennas should be proper and in exact
phase which contributes that every antenna in a similar direction will be summed up thus forming a
radiation beam and canceled in all the other directions. This type of arrangement enhances the
directivity of the system. When all the antennas in a system are arranged in a straight line, it is termed
a linear antenna array.
In addition, when all the components are excited with a similar magnitude of current which has a
constantly accelerating phase shift all through the line; it is called a uniform linear array.
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Antenna Array Working Principle
In general, an antenna array functions using a half-wave dipole antenna. Whereas, the length is not
exactly the same as a half-wave dipole and it varies by 5%.
The below picture shows the antenna array architecture.

Figure1.2: Antenna Array Architecture

As a half-wave dipole antenna has a radiation pattern of omnidirectional radiation, the waves radiated
from the antenna array have a wider angle. Thus, to enhance the capability of those antennas and to
radiate only in one particular direction, the antennas are arranged in an array pattern. So, various
components are separately placed having exact spacing. Also, the components are concurrently
excited through the current having an exact phase.

The current in different components is termed to be in the proper phase when it achieves high gain
while flowing in the same direction and at the same time period. So, when the components are
provided with the proper phase, the spherical waveform from every component of the array gets
superimposed because of interference and makes a plane wave. This is considered the beam of a radio
waves.

The interference can either be destructive or constructive that is based on the radiation of waves of all
the components. When the radiated waves from the components are in the proper phase, then those
are constructively added thus increasing the radiated power. Whereas when the radiated waves from
the components are out of phase, then those are destructively added so that canceling out each other
leads to a decrease in the radiated power.

Thus, the radiations from the components which are in phase deliver a directional beam that has more
strength having the ability to travel longer distances.

Also, when the total number of components is increased, then the main lode becomes narrower and
side lobes get smaller which corresponds to an increase in the antenna’s gain [1].

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Array Antenna Design Parameters

Array antennas, also known as antenna arrays, are constructed using multiple individual antenna
elements that are arranged in a specific geometry. These antennas work collectively to shape and steer
the electromagnetic radiation pattern in a desired direction. The constructional features of array
antennas include:

1. Antenna Elements: The basic building blocks of an array antenna are the individual antenna
elements. These elements can be simple dipoles, patches, helical antennas, or any other type of
antenna. The number and type of elements depend on the specific design requirements.
2. Array Geometry: The arrangement of antenna elements in an array is crucial to achieve the desired
radiation characteristics. Common geometries include linear arrays, planar arrays, circular arrays, and
conformal arrays. The spacing between the elements, both in terms of distance and angle, determines
the beamwidth, directivity, and radiation pattern of the array antenna.
3. Feeding Network: A feeding network is used to distribute the RF signals from the transmitter or
receiver to the individual antenna elements in the array. This network can take various forms, such as a
simple power divider for equally distributing the signal or more complex structures like corporate feed
networks or phased array feed systems.
4. Phasing/Mutual Coupling: The individual elements in an array antenna can be fed with signals that
are phase-shifted, resulting in beam steering capability. This phase control can be achieved through
adjustable phase shifters or using passive components like transmission lines of different lengths.
Mutual coupling or interactions between elements are also considered and compensated for to ensure
optimal performance.

5. Radiation Pattern Control: One of the key benefits of array antennas is their ability to steer and
shape the radiation pattern. This can be achieved by adjusting the phases and amplitudes of the signals
fed to each element. By controlling these parameters, beam scanning, beamforming, null steering, and
other beam manipulation techniques can be implemented.

6. Support Structure: Array antennas require support structures to hold and position the antenna
elements. These structures can be rigid or flexible, depending on the application. They are designed to
minimize mechanical vibrations and maintain stability while ensuring the optimum positioning of the
elements.

7. Control and Signal Processing: Modern array antennas often incorporate control systems and signal
processing capabilities to dynamically adjust beam characteristics on-the-fly. These systems may
include beamforming algorithms, adaptive beam control, feedback mechanisms, and user interfaces
for easier configuration and operation.

Overall, the constructional features of array antennas are designed to optimize their performance in
terms of directivity, gain, beam control, and radiation pattern shaping, depending on the specific needs
of the application [2].

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Types of Arrays Antennas
The basic types of arrays are –

 Collinear array
 Broad side array
 End fire array
 Parasitic array
 Yagi-Uda array
 Log-peroidic array
 Turnstile array
 Super-turnstile array

Collinear Array:
A Collinear array consists of two or more half-wave dipoles, which are placed end to end.
These antennas are placed on a common line or axis, being parallel or collinear.
The maximum radiation in these arrays is broad side and perpendicular to the line of array. These
arrays are also called as broad cast or Omni-directional arrays.
Frequency range
The frequency range in which the collinear array antennas operate is around 30 MHz to 3GHz which
belong to the VHF and UHF bands.
Construction of Array
These collinear arrays are uni-directional antennas having high gain. The main purpose of this array is
to increase the power radiated and to provide high directional beam, by avoiding power loss in other
directions.
Radiation Pattern
The radiation pattern of these collinear arrays is similar to that of a single dipole, but the array pattern
of increasing number of dipoles, makes the difference.

Figure 1.3 Collinear Array Antenna

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The radiation pattern of collinear array when made using two elements, three elements and four
elements respectively are shown in the figure given above. The broad side array also has the same
pattern, in which the direction of maximum radiation is perpendicular to the line of antenna.

Advantages
The following are the advantages of collinear array antennas –
 Use of array reduces the broad ends and increases the directivity
 Minor lobes are minimised
 Wastage of power is reduced
Disadvantages
The following are the disadvantages of collinear array antennas –

 Displacement of these antennas is a difficult task

 Used only in outdoor areas

Applications
The following are the applications of collinear array antennas –
 Used for VHF and UHF bands
 Used in two-way communications
 Used also for broadcasting purpose

- Broad-side Array
The broadside antenna array, similar elements are placed in a parallel way all across the line that is
normal to the antenna’s axis. This is the widely employed antenna configuration and all the elements
are positioned horizontally with similar spacing between them and every element in the array is
provided with a current having a similar phase and magnitude levels. When there is excitation to the
elements, then the array delivers maximum radiation in the normal direction of the antenna axis,
whereas in the other directions less amount is delivered. This forms a bidirectional radiation pattern.

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 Figure 1.4 Broad Array Antenna

The characteristics of the broadside type of antenna array are:

 The broadside array can vary between 2λ to 10λ.

 Employed mainly for overseas broadcasting systems and used for LF, HF, and ML frequency
ranges.
 The total number of elements used in the array is based on spacing, price, and beamwidth
necessity.
 When a broadside antenna array is operated along with a reflector, the directivity and gain of
the antenna array in the broadside type can be increased.

- End-fire Array
The physical arrangement of end-fire array is same as that of the broad side array. The magnitude of
currents in each element is same, but there is a phase difference between these currents. This
induction of energy differs in each element, which can be understood by the following diagram.

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Figure 1.5 End Fire Array antenna: top and side view of array

There is no radiation in the right angles to the plane of the array because of cancellation. The first and
third elements are fed out of phase and therefore cancel each other’s radiation. Similarly, second and
fourth are fed out of phase, to get cancelled.

The usual dipole spacing will be λ/4 or 3λ/4. This arrangement not only helps to avoid the radiation
perpendicular to the antenna plane, but also helps the radiated energy get diverted to the direction of
radiation of the whole array. Hence, the minor lobes are avoided and the directivity is increased. The
beam becomes narrower with the increased elements.

Radiation Pattern

The Radiation pattern of end-fire array is uni-directional. A major lobe occurs at one end, where
maximum radiation is present, while the minor lobes represent the losses.

Figure 1.6 End Fire Array antenna radiation pattern

The figure 1.6 explains the radiation pattern of an end-fire array. The point 1 is the radiation pattern
for a single array, while point 2, 3, and 4 represent the radiation pattern for multiple arrays.

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End-fire Array Vs Broad Side Array
Comparison between end-fire and broad side arrays, along with their characteristics

Figure 1.7 End-fire Vs broad Array

The figure 1.7 illustrates the radiation pattern of end-fire array and broad side array.

 Both, the end fire array and broad side array, are linear and are resonant, as they consist of
resonant elements.
 Due to resonance, both the arrays display narrower beam and high directivity. Both of these
arrays are used in transmission purposes.
 Neither of them is used for reception, because the necessity of covering a range of frequencies
is needed for any kind of reception.

Parasitic Array
Works across Sites and Apps Install the antenna arrays as seen above, are used for the improvement of
gain and directivity.
A parasitic element is an element, which depends on other’s feed. It does not have its own feed.
Hence, in this type of arrays we employ such elements, which help in increasing the radiation
indirectly.

These parasitic elements are not directly connected to the feed.

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 Figure 1.8 Image of parasitic Array Antenna

The above figure1.8 shows an example of a parasitic array. The mesh structure seen in the picture, is
nothing but a set of reflectors. These reflectors are not electrically connected. They increase the signal
strength by increasing the directivity of the beam.

Construction & Working of Parasitic Array

The important parts of a Parasitic array and their working principles.

The main parts are –

 Driven element
 Parasitic element
 Reflector Director
 Boom

Driven elements:
The antennas radiate individually and while in array, the radiation of all the elements sum up to form
the radiation beam. All the elements of the array need not be connected to the feed. The dipole that is
connected to the feed is known as a driven element.

Parasitic Elements:
The elements, which are added do not possess an electrical connection between them to the driven
element or the feed.
They are positioned so that they lie in the induction field of the driven element. Hence, they are known
as parasitic elements.

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Reflector:
If one of the parasitic element, which is 5% longer than driven element, is placed close to the driven
element is longer, then it acts as a concave mirror, which reflects the energy in the direction of the
radiation pattern rather than its own direction and hence is known as a reflector.

Director:
A parasitic element, which is 5% shorter than the driven element, from which it receives energy, tends
to increase radiation in its own direction and therefore, behaves like convergent convex lens. This
element is called as a director. A number of directors are placed to increase the directivity.

Boom:
The element on which all these are placed is called a boom. It is a non-metallic structure which
provides insulation, so that there will not be any short circuit between the other elements of the array.

These are all the main elements, which contribute the radiation. This can be better understood with
the help of a diagram.

Figure 1.9 Parasitic Array Antenna

The image shown above is that of a parasitic array, which shows the parts of parsitic array such as the
driven element, the directors and the reflector. The feed is given through the feeder. The arrays are
used at frequencies ranging from 2MHz to several GHz. These are especially used to get high
directivity, and better forward gain with a uni-directional. The most common example of this type of
array is the Yagi-Uda antenna. Quad antenna may also be quoted as another example [3].

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Formulas and Calculations of Array Antenna
There are several formulas and calculations that can be applied to array antennas. Here are a few
important ones:

1. Array Factor (AF): The array factor represents the radiation pattern of an array antenna. It is
calculated by summing the individual element radiation patterns weighted by the complex excitation
coefficients. The mathematical expression for the array factor is given by:

AF = Σ(A * ejφ)

Where:

- A: Amplitude or magnitude of the element radiation pattern.

- φ: Phase difference between the elements.

- Σ: Summation over all elements.

2. Directivity (D): Directivity represents the ability of an antenna to focus its radiation in a specific
direction. It is calculated as the ratio of the maximum radiation intensity in the desired
directioncompared to the average radiation intensity in all directions. The directivity can be calculated
using the following formula:

D = 4π * (Maximum Radiation Intensity) / (Total Radiated Power)

3. Beamwidth (θ): The beamwidth of an array antenna is the angular width of the main lobe of the
radiation pattern. It can be calculated using the formula:

θ = 2 * sin^(-1)(1.22 * λ / D)

Where:

- λ: Wavelength of the signal.

- D: Diameter of the aperture of the array.

4. Scanning Angle (ψ): The scanning angle represents the angle at which the main beam of the array
antenna is steered. It can be calculated using the following formula:

ψ = sin^(-1)(λ / (d * sinθ))

Where:

- λ: Wavelength of the signal.

- d: Inter-element spacing.

- θ: Beamwidth of the array antenna.

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Antenna Array Solved Problems
In a uniform linear type antenna array, the spacing between four isotropic radiating elements is
considered as λ/4. Find the progressive phase shift (α) between the elements in order to form the
major lobe at 600 off the end-fire?
Here, the normalizer effector is
(AF)normalizer = sin 4 (ψ/2)/ 4 sin (ψ/2)
Ψ is considered as total phase difference
Ψ = α + β dcosθ
Ψ = α + (2π/λ) (λ/4) cos 600
0 = α + (π/2 ) (1/2)
α = -(π/4) radians
In an antenna, the far-field magnetic field component is as follows:
H’ϕ = 1/r [sqrt (sinθcosϕ/30π)] A/m where 0<θ<π and θ<ϕ<π/2. Find the antenna’s directivity.
Wrad = ½ |E’ * H’| = ή/2 |H’|2
(ήsinθcosϕ)/2r2 * 30π
U = r2Wrad = (ή/60π) sinθcosϕ = U0sinθcosϕ
Prad = sinθdθdϕ
Prad = U0sin2θcosϕdθdϕ
Prad = U0 * π/2
D = (4πU0)/(Prad) = 9.04 dB
These formulas and calculations serve as a starting point for understanding the properties and
performance of array antennas. However, there are more advanced calculations and considerations
that come into play, such as mutual coupling, side lobe levels, and array synthesis techniques,
depending on the specific design and application of the array antenna [4].

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Advantages
The following are the advantages of using antenna arrays –

 It offers high directivity. Also, the directivity can be varied by choosing a proper number of
elements according to the need.
 The strength of the transmitted signal significantly increased.
 It offers beam steering electronically. Thus, the direction of the beam can be changed from one
point to another.
 It provides a better signal to noise ratio.
 With the application of non-uniform input to each element, the radiation pattern can be shaped
according to the requirement.
 The design of the antenna array supports better antenna performance.

Disadvantages

 Due to configuring a large number of antennas, the structure of antenna array is large thus
needs large space.
 The bulkiness of the antenna array makes its maintenance somewhat difficult.
 In the array, there are increased resistive losses.
 Resistive losses are increased

Applications of Antenna Array

 These find major applications in the communication field where high signal strength is needed
for long-distance transmission and reception. Hence, is generally used in satellite and wireless
communication along with military and radar applications as well as astronomical study
 An antenna array is very helpful in increasing overall gain, increasing the SINR (S plus Noise
Ratio), canceling out interference, providing diversity reception, moving particular direction,
measuring the arrival of incoming signals direction, etc.
 The antenna array is used in wireless, military radar, and satellite communication
 These are utilized within the observation of astronomical.
 These are mostly applicable in long-distance communications & also mobile com
 These are used wherever high signal strength is required for long-distance transmission [5].

Lens Antenna : Design, Working, Types & Its Applications

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Introduction:
An antenna is a metallic transmission device that transmits and receives radio electromagnetic waves
in between the electric circuit & space. These devices are available in different sizes and shapes where
the small antennas can be found on your roof used to watch TV and the big antennas are used to
capture signals millions of miles away from satellites. There are different types of antennas available
where every antenna is mainly designed for transmitting & receiving signals in a certain range of
frequency based on its shape & size like wire, dipole, loop, short dipole, aperture, monopole, lens, slot,
horn, etc. This article discusses an overview of one of the types of antenna namely – lens antenna, and
its working with applications

What is Lens Antenna?

The three-dimensional electromagnetic device that is used mainly for higher frequency applications is
known as a lens antenna. This antenna includes an electromagnetic lens with feed and it is similar to a
glass lens which is used in the optical domain. This antenna utilizes a curved surface for both
transmission & reception. These antennas are fabricated with glass, wherever the converging as well as
diverging lens properties are followed. The lens antenna frequency range ranges from 1000 MHz to
3000 MHz.
The function of a lens antenna is to generate a plane wave front from spherical, control aperture
illumination, collimate electromagnetic rays, forms the front of the incoming wave at its focus and
produces directional characteristics [7].

Lens Antenna Design

Lens antenna is mainly designed to transmit and receive signals within the microwave frequency range.
If we consider a converging type optical lens is present at a specific position & energy source is present
at the focal point that produces the energy at a focal length distance along the optical lens axis in
transmitting mode.

Figure 2.1 Lens Antenna Transmitter Mode

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We all should be aware that from the optical point of view when the light drops on the outside of the
lens then it twists because of the refraction. Here, the way of twisting of light energy mainly depends
on the material & curve from where the lens is made.
As a result, whenever the feed antenna like a dipole or horn antenna is present at the focal point that
is available on the left of the lens, the emerging spherical wave front from the source which is deviating
from nature can be incident from the antenna’s surface.
So, once the rays flow through it after the incidence, the deviating rays will collimate because of
refraction & are changed into flat wave fronts. Thus, the parallel rays are attained at the right side of
the optical lens. Like this, the antenna’s signal with a feed element is transmitted. Similarly, if this
antenna is made with a dielectric material, then the RF electromagnetic signals are collimated in the
same way & further they are transmitted.
Now consider the following antenna in receiving mode. In this mode, the parallel rays will incident on
the converging lens surface, at the focal point on the left side of the lens converges because of the
refraction mechanism. So, this process is used once it is utilized for receiving mode [7].

Figure 2.2 Lens Antenna Receiver Mode

Design Parameters of Lens Antenna

Here, it is to be noted that to attain better focusing properties at radio frequency, the medium must
have a refractive index below unity. So this leads to giving straight wavefronts even once the material’s
refractive index is low/high.

Lens antennas have several constructional features that distinguish them from other types of
antennas. These features include:

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1. Lens Material: Lens antennas use materials with a high dielectric constant, such as glass or plastic,
which allow for the focusing and directing of electromagnetic waves. The lens material is usually
transparent to the frequency of interest.

2. Lens Shape: The lens shape plays a crucial role in the focusing and shaping of the electromagnetic
wave. Common lens shapes include flat, convex, concave, and cylindrical

3. Lens Size: The size of the lens is determined by the desired focal length and aperture size. Larger
lenses can focus waves more tightly and provide higher gain.

4. Feeding Structure: The feeding structure of a lens antenna is positioned at the focal point of the
lens, where the electromagnetic waves converge. This feeding structure can be a feed horn, a dipole,
or a patch antenna.

5. Antenna Element Positioning: The antenna elements are placed on or inside the lens to radiate or
receive electromagnetic waves. The positions of these elements depend on the desired radiation
pattern.

6. Integration with Other Components: Lens antennas can be integrated with other components, such
as reflectors or reflector arrays, to enhance their performance and direct the electromagnetic waves
further.

7. Support Structure: Lens antennas require a strong and stable support structure to hold the lens and
the feeding structure in place. This structure must be well-designed to minimize losses and
interference.

8. Weatherproofing: Since lens antennas are often used in outdoor applications, they are typically
weatherproofed to protect them from environmental factors such as water, dust, and extreme
temperatures.

Overall, the constructional features of lens antennas play a vital role in determining their performance,
gain, beam width, and radiation pattern. These features are carefully designed and optimized to meet
the specific requirements of the application [8].

Lens Antenna operation

The lens antenna working is the same as an optical lens. In lens material, the microwave signals have a
different phase velocity than in air, so the changing lens thickness simply delays the microwave signals
transmitting through it in different amounts, the wave’s direction & changing the wave front shape.
This antenna uses the properties of convergence & divergence of a lens to transmit as well as receive
signals. These types of antennas include a dipole/horn antenna with the lens. Here, the lens size mainly
depends on the operating frequency so when the operating frequency is higher, the lens is smaller in
size. So at high frequencies, these antennas are used because, at lower frequencies, they can be
somewhat bulky.
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In a parabolic reflector, we have seen that the emitted energy from the feed element at the focus of
the reflector reaches its surface then it changes the microwaves which are spherically radiated into
plane waves. So it enhances the directivity.

In the same way in the case of a lens antenna, the point source performs like the feed that produces
the microwave energy to the optical lens surface. So this optical surface powers the radiated spherical
wave fronts to change into collimated one.

Here, it is notable that the collimating lens is made with a dielectric material that possesses the finite
dielectric constant value. However, these can also be made with materials that exhibit below unity of
refractive index at RF [7].

Lens Antenna Types

There are two types of lens antenna delay lens antenna and fast lens antenna which are discussed
below.
Delay Lens Antenna
A delay lens or slow wave lens antenna can be defined as an antenna that causes retardation in the
traveling wave fronts because of the lens media. Sometimes, these types of antennas are also called
dielectric lenses. The representation of the dielectric lens action of the antenna is shown below.
In this type of antenna, the radio waves move very slowly in the lens medium than in free space, the
refraction index is greater than one. Thus, the length of the path is increased by passing through the
medium of the lens.

Figure 2.3 Delay Lens Antena

This is the same as an ordinary optical lens action on the light. Since solid parts of the lens enhance the
length of the path, a converging lens like a convex lens focuses radio waves & a diverging lens like a

17
concave lens disperses radio waves like in ordinary lenses. These lenses are made with dielectric
materials & H-plane plate structures.

Delay lens antenna is classified into two types based on the dielectric material type used for
construction: metallic dielectric lens and non-metallic dielectric lens.

Fast Lens Antenna

In a Fast lens or fast wave lens antenna, the radio waves move very faster within the lens medium as
compared to in free space, thus the refraction index is below one, so the length of the optical path is
reduced by passing throughout the lens medium. Sometimes, this antenna is also known as an E-plane
metal plate antenna.

Figure 2.4 Fast Lens Antenna

This type of antenna has no analog within ordinary optical materials, so it takes place due to the radio
waves’ phase velocity within waveguides being higher than the light speed. Since solid parts of the lens
reduce the length of the path, a converging lens like a concave lens focuses radio waves & a diverging

18
lens like a convex lens is opposite to ordinary optical lenses. These lenses are made with E-plane plate
structures and negative-index materials [7].

Lens Antennas Formulas and Calculations

There are several formulas and calculations involved in the design and analysis of lens antennas. Here
are some of the key formulas and calculations:

 Focal Length (f): The focal length of a lens antenna is determined by the lens shape and its
refractive index. For a spherical lens, the focal length can be calculated using the lensmaker's
formula:
1/f = (n - 1) * ((1/R1) - (1/R2))
Where n is the refractive index of the lens and R1 and R2 are the radii of curvature of the lens
surfaces.

 Aperture Size (D): The aperture size of a lens antenna is typically defined as the diameter of
the lens. It affects the directivity and gain of the antenna. The aperture size can be calculated
using formulas specific to the lens shape, such as the formula for a circular lens:
D = 2 * (f / tan(θ/2))
Where θ is the desired beamwidth of the antenna.

 Beamwidth (θ): The beamwidth of a lens antenna is the angular width of the main lobe of the
radiation pattern. It depends on the lens aperture size, operating frequency, and the desired
directivity. The beamwidth can be calculated using different approximation methods and
antenna theory equations, such as the 3 dB beamwidth formula:
θ = 70 * (λ / D)
Where λ is the wavelength of the operating frequency.

 Focal Region Size: The size of the focal region determines the extent of the concentrated field
and thus affects the antenna's overall performance. It can be calculated based on the lens
shape, aperture size, and focal length. For example, for a circular lens, the focal region radius
can be approximated as:
Rf = f / 2
Where Rf is the focal region radius.

 Gain (G): The gain of a lens antenna is a measure of its ability to focus electromagnetic energy
in a specific direction. It depends on several factors, including the lens shape, aperture size,
operating frequency, and directivity. The gain can be calculated using the formula:

G = (4π * η * Aeff) / λ^2

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 Where η is the radiation efficiency, Aeff is the effective aperture area of the lens, and λ is the
wavelength of the operating frequency [9].

These are just a few of the formulas and calculations involved in the design and analysis of lens
antennas. The specific calculations may vary depending on the lens shape, operating frequency, and
desired performance parameters.

Advantages
The advantages of lens antenna include the following.

 In lens antenna, feed and feed support do not obstruct the aperture, as the rays are
transmitted away from the feed.
 It has greater design tolerance i.e., a larger amount of wrapping and twisting is possible in lens
antenna as the wave enters one side emerges at the other side, maintaining the electrical path
length.
 It can be used to feed off the optical axis and hence useful in application where the beam is
required to be moved angularly w.r.t. axis.
 It has narrow beam width, low noise temperature, high gain, and low side lobes.
 The structure of these antennas is more compact.
 These are less weight as compared to parabolic reflectors & horn antennas.
 It has better design tolerance.
 The feed & feed support in this antenna does not obstruct the aperture.
 The beam can be angularly moved with respect to the axis.
 It provides more flexibility within design tolerance, so twisting within this antenna is achievable.
 It is utilized for extremely high-frequency applications.

Disadvantages
The disadvantages of lens antennae include the following.

 Lenses are bulky at lower frequencies especially.

 Complexity within the design.
 These are expensive for the same specifications as compared to reflectors.

Applications
The applications of lens antennae include the following.
1. The Lens Antenna his two major applications. It may be employed to correct the curved
wavefront from a shallow horn (in which case it is mounted directly over the mouth of the
horn) or as an antenna in its own right. In the latter instance, lenses may be used in preference
to parabolic reflectors at millimeter. Others applications includes;
 These are suitable for above 3 GHz frequency.
 Used like the wideband antenna.
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  These are used mainly for microwave frequency applications.
 This antenna’s converging properties can be used to develop a high range of antennas called
parabolic reflector antennas, so these are extensively used within satellite communications.
 These are utilized as collimating elements within high-gain microwave systems like radio
telescopes, millimeter wave radar & satellite antennas [11].

References:
1. www.watelectronics.com/antenna-array/
2. Chatbot Artificial Intelligence Array antenna design parameters
3. bevelaque, Peter (2016). “Array Antennas” Antenna-theory.com.Retrieved February 23, 2017
4. Chatbot Artificial Intelligence; mathematical expression of array antenna
5. Https://En.Wikipedia.Org/Wiki/Phased_array advantages and disadvantages of array antenna
6. Antenna theory _Lens_tutorialpoint
7. www.elprcus.com/lens-antenna/
8. Chatbot Artificial Intelligence lens antenna design parameters
9. Chatbot Artificial Intelligence mathematical expression of lens antenna
10. Kumar, Sanjay;shukla,saurabh(2015). Wave Propagation and antenna engineering.
11. https://www.eeeguide.com/lens-antenna/ Applications.

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