Synthesis of Flat-Top Beams Based on Modified Chebyshev Polynomials

Real-time beamforming applications require computationally efficient methods for the beampattern synthesis. This feature is usually met by analytical techniques or simple iterative procedures. On the other hand, many of these applications utilize flat-top beampatterns with adjustable parameters. In this paper, we present an analytical method for the design of symmetrical linear arrays which form flat-top beampatterns. The method is based on matching the array factor with a given polynomial, thus ensuring a closed form expression for array's weights. To obtain flat-top beampatterns with adjustable sidelobe level and beamwidth, we use a modification of Chebyshev polynomials. To adjust the beampatterns, we provide two straightforward procedures, one for a given sidelobe level and the other for a given beamwidth.