Keywords

Antenna array mutual coupling, electromagnetic interference, radio astronomy

Abstract

A focal plane array feed of electrically small elements has been proposed as a means for achieving high sensitivity for radio astronomy applications in the presence of radio frequency interference (RFI). For a broadband system, mutual coupling effects become significant as the array element spacing becomes small relative to the electromagnetic wavelength. We present a theoretical framework for modeling the effects of mutual coupling and for determining the optimal multiport matching network between array elements and front-end transistor low-noise amplifiers for maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Numerical results are given for a model scenario including spillover and amplifier thermal noise and point signal and interference sources. A suboptimal self-impedance matching network yields performance close to that of a full network match.

Original Publication Citation

Warnick, K. F., and M. A. Jensen. "Effects of Mutual Coupling on Interference Mitigation with a Focal Plane Array." Antennas and Propagation, IEEE Transactions on 53.8 (25): 249-8

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2005-08-01

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/1042

Publisher

IEEE

Language

English

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Share

COinS