Antenna Array Types: Linear vs Planar vs Conformal | Use Cases, Advantages & Limitations

Linear array

This antenna array is composed of multiple antenna elements arranged in straight line. They are arranged either horizontally or vertically. The elements are spaced uniformly. The elements are fed in-phase or with phase shifts to steer the beam as desired in appropriate direction.

• Use case : Radar, Base Station, TV broadcast towers
• Pros : Simple in design, produce narrow beam with high directivity, beam steering possible via phase shifting in phased arrays.
• Cons : Limited to one dimensional beam control, side lobes can cause interference if not properly managed.

Planar array

This antenna array type arranges elements in two dimensional grid (i.e. rows and columns) on a flat surface. It provides control over both azimuth and elevation beam direction.

• Use case : 5G MIMO Base Stations, Satellite Communication Terminals, Advanced Radar
• Pros : allows beamforming in 2 dimensional i.e. azimuth and elevation , higher gain than linear arrays due to more elements, better sidelobe control.
• Cons : More complex feeding network and design, higher cost and power consumption, can be bulky (as per implementation)

Conformal array

This antenna array follows curved surface of a platform such as body of an aircraft, missile or vehicle. Antennas are embedded within to match the surface profile.

• Use case : UAVs, missiles, military aircraft, satellites, automotive radars
• Pros : Space efficient as it blends into platform surface, provide wide angle coverage, reduces radar cross section.
• Cons : Complex design and fabrication, higher cost than linear/planar arrays, challenging EM modeling due to curvature

Comparison

Summary

Linear, planar and conformal antenna arrays offer different design flexibilities and performance levels. Selecting the appropriate array depends on the application’s coverage requirements, platform geometry and complexity constraints.