Compact Parametric Expression of the True Array Manifold

The accurate parametric array manifold is the theoretical basis of array signal processing technology. In this paper, a compact parametric model of the true array manifold is proposed. A virtual extended array is established by splitting each antenna into a collection of finite-length dipoles, of which the mutual coupling effect is described using a nonlinear coupling model based on Taylor expansion. The resulting composite manifold has a simple form composed of an expanded virtual isolated manifold and a broad coupling matrix, which can provides an extremely accurate representation of the true array manifold. Numerical examples verify that the accuracy of the proposed composite manifold is two or three orders of magnitude better than that of several other state-of-the-art manifolds. The proposed composite manifold can be applied to all kinds of array signal processing algorithms directly to enhance the capabilities of antenna arrays in practical applications by replacing the overly simplified and imprecise manifold.