Improving Bandwidth of Yagi-Uda Arrays

Abstract

A novel approach for improving antenna bandwidth is described using a 6-element Yagi-Uda array as an example. The new approach applies Central Force Optimization, a deterministic metaheuristic, and Variable Z0 technology, a novel, proprietary design and optimization methodology, to produce an array with 33.09% fractional impedance bandwidth. This array’s performance is compared to its CFO-optimized Fixed Z0counterpart, and to the performance of a 6-ele- ment Dominating Cone Line Search-optimized array. Both CFO-optimized antennas exhibit better performance than the DCLS array, especially with respect to impedance bandwidth. Although the Yagi-Uda antenna was chosen to illustrate this new approach to antenna design and optimization, the methodology is entirely general and can be applied to any antenna against any set of performance objectives.