Effect of size on mutual impedance coupling in a smart switched-beam antenna array

Abstract

This article presents the impact of array size on mutual impedance coupling in a switched-beam antenna array and its effect on link availability for communication between an UAV and a fixed ground station. Smart antennas are crucial in wireless applications, such as precision agriculture, where the direction of arrival of desired signals must be determined to optimize power reception through the array's radiation pattern. The study focuses on understanding the mutual coupling effects resulting from array characteristics, such as the number of elements and geometry, which can affect antenna impedance and consequently influence on SNR and link availability. The research aims to provide insights into the effect that the number of elements, the spacing between them, and the size or shape of each element in the array have on the lower or higher SNR values due to mutual impedance coupling.