Synthesis of sparse planar arrays using modified real genetic algorithm

In array design, the positions of sparse array elements is an important concern for optimal performance in terms of its ability to achieve minimum peak sidelobe level (SLL). This paper proposes a modified real genetic algorithm (MGA) based on resetting of chromosome for the element position optimization of sparse planar arrays with rectangular boundary. And here the multiple optimization constraints include the number of elements, the aperture and the minimum element spacing. By simplifying the space between the elements from the actual distance to Chebychev distance, the MGA searches a smaller solution space by means of indirect description of individual, and it can avoid infeasible solution during the optimization process by two novel genetic operators. Finally, the simulation results confirming the great efficiency and the robustness of the proposed method are shown in this paper. Index Terms--Antenna arrays, genetic algorithm (GA), sidelobe level (SLL), sparse arrays.