Multi-Objective Optimization For Planar Antenna Array Design

Multi-objective optimization technique can be deployed to design planar antenna array with optimal side lobe, appropriate beam steering quality, minimum power beam width, maximum directivity, maximum possible gain etc. as a function of data-driven models of element lengths and distances between these model elements. Fundamental question is exploration of the Pareto front modeling optimal trade-offs among multiple conflicting objectives, which for example can be, the structure size and its electrical performance along with minimization of cost! Most classical problem used to be faced by an antenna designer is how to design the tradeoff among size, performance and price. The conventional approach to deal with this situation is to combine the objectives into a single cost function using a weighted sum. Unfortunately this method is purely based on weights chosen by the designer without giving full picture of the tradeoffs that can be made. Multi objective optimizers (MOOs) have the capability to optimize multiple objectives simultaneously without making any assumptions and they provide the designer with a set of potential solutions, which exactly show the tradeoffs that can be made. This information gives knowledge on the issues of the design and designer can choose the best compromise for a given scenario.