Robustness of the projection method for an asymmetrically deformed planar antenna array

Antenna arrays capable of adapting to surfaces that change shape in time are strongly required in modern wireless communication systems. The projection method is a cost-effective pattern recovery technique that allows to correct the radiation pattern of the deformed array by just applying a phase compensation to the input signal of each array element. However, the implementation of this methodology can face some limitation that this letter is going to investigate. First, a study on the main lobe gain of the retrieved pattern will highlight the limit on the deformation that can be impressed to the surface. Later, an analysis on the phase approximation that can be tolerated by the method will be illustrated. In fact, the phase resolution required for the instruments (ie, the phase shifters) to be used in a practical setup, can impact considerably on the overall cost. For these purposes, a numerical analysis in CST Microwave Studio is initially performed on a 4 × 4 antenna array. Finally, a prototype was fabricated and measured in an anechoic chamber.