Low-Sidelobe Pattern Synthesis for Spaceborne Array Antenna Based on Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm

For the purpose of fulfilling the low sidelobe level (SLL) requirements for spaceborne phased array antenna pattern synthesis, this paper proposes a new improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA). As a type of new heuristic algorithm inspired by whale hunting behavior, WOA has the advantages of simple structure, few parameters, fast optimization speed, and high precision. In this paper, improvements are made in three aspects of adaptive weight, spiral coefficient optimization, and optimal neighborhood perturbation, and the proposed algorithm is successfully applied to the intelligent calculation of antenna synthesis. In light of the engineering requirements, the mathematical model of the optimization problem is established, and the desired antenna pattern with high gain and low sidelobe is obtained using IWOA under the constraint that the amplitude variation is within 20 dB. Simulation results demonstrate that IWOA is superior in maximum sidelobe level (MSLL) suppression and convergence. Consequently, EM simulations were conducted on a 64-element planar array, with the results consistent with the theoretical simulation, verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.