A Planar Controlled Reception Pattern Array with Dual-Mode TM11-TM21 Microstrip Antenna Elements for Increased Angular Coverage

A planar controlled reception pattern array (CRPA) with increased upper hemisphere angular coverage is designed and studied. The array consists of three dual-mode TM11-TM21 circular microstrip elements. The TM11 patch is circularly polarized (CP) while the TM21 patch is dual polarized to exploit more degrees of freedom. The nulling performance of the array is studied using a Monte Carlo approach and is benchmarked against a uniform circular array (UCA) of TM11 elements and a spherical array. It is shown that for low elevation angle RFIs, the proposed array provides more angular space available for reception, compared to the planar UCA.