Far-Field Accuracy and Embedded Element Pattern Approximations in Hexomino Subarrays

Large array antennas, constructed from disjoint irregular sub arrays, where each sub array port is digitally con-trolled, are of growing interest for communication and sensor applications. This paper investigates two different 28x30 antenna arrays, both operating as isophoric arrays (equal amplitude excitation), designed to support pencil beams across a large scan window. We focus on how various embedded element pattern approximations influence the optimization outcomes in terms of hexomino-based sub arrays and their effect on the peak sidelobe level (pSLL). Our analysis shows that commonly used embedded pattern approximations can cause peak sidelobe level deviations of up to 1.4 dB. Additionally, we demonstrate properties of a simplified and fast cost function to assess the pSLL in these arrays.