Array Antenna Theory and Synthesis Methods

Name (Acronym)

Array Antenna Theory and Synthesis Methods (AATS)
Date

06 October - 24 October 2025
(3 weeks, 20 hours/week)
Teacher

MASSA Andrea, OLIVERI Giacomo, ROCCA Paolo
Contact E-mail

2025-2026.LM.AATS.UniTN.TRENTO.IT@eledia.org
ECTS

6
Syllabus

ESSE3 Page
Institution

DICAM, University of Trento
Study Program

M.S. Ingegneria Civile [LM CIV]
Degree

Master
Language

English
Tracks

Fields and Waves ("Advanced EM Technologies"), Wave Manipulations and Artificial/Smart Materials

ABSTRACT

The course introduces the foundations of array antenna theory and practical applications, pointing out their pivotal role in modern wireless communication and sensing systems. Starting from basic concepts, the participants will become aware of the beam-forming principles understanding the relationship between the geometrical (element positions) and electrical (excitation coefficients) parameters of an array antenna architecture with the arising radiation pattern. Through a blend of theoretical lectures and hands-on software exercises, the students will gain proficiency in analyzing and synthesizing various array configurations.

COURSE FORMAT

The Course is taught in 🇬🇧️ ENGLISH and offered

On-site
On-line (synchronous and asynchronous)

with video recordings, hand-outs, etc. of the lectures available off-line (*).

COURSE CONTENT

Part 1: ARRAY ANTENNA ANALYSIS

Introduction to antenna arrays: motivation and principles
Antenna array analysis in the time and frequency domain
The array factor function and its figures of merit
Uniform, uniformly-spaced, and non-uniform array analysis

Part 2: ARRAY ANTENNA SYNTHESIS

Array antenna synthesis problem formulation: external and internal synthesis
Synthesis of conventional/regular array antennas
"Trial & test" synthesis methods: Schelkunoff method, amplitude tapers
Optimal sidelobe-beamwidth compromise synthesis methods: Dolph-Chebyshev, Taylor, and Zolotarev method
Pattern matching synthesis methods: Fourier, Woodward-Lawson, iterative projection method
Synthesis methods for unconventional/irregular array antennas

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

Theoretical Lessons
e-Xam Self Assessment (each teaching class or periodically)
MATLAB Hands-On
e-Xam Final Assessment

Registration Information

UniTN Students:	Free
EXTERNAL Students:	216 Eu: First course 180 Eu: Every course from the second one

The fees include the course teaching, video recordings, hand-outs, etc. (*).

Registration Procedure for UniTN Students

Please contact the Student Support Office of your Department/Centre/School to include the course in your study plan.

Registration Procedure for EXTERNAL Students

Step 1: Register a "guest" type account (@guest.unitn.it)

Should you still not have a UniTN account, you have to register and log in with your SPID identity or CIE (electronic ID card). If you cannot use SPID or CIE, please create your own UniTN account.

Step 2: Enroll to a Single UniTN Course

Complete the online application through the dedicated webpage.
In the application form (Section "Teaching Activities") put the following information:
- Name of single class/teaching activity: Array Antenna Theory and Synthesis Methods
- Code of single class/teaching activity: 140723
- Degree course to which the teaching activity is associated: [0331H] Ingegneria Civile
Once received the outcome of the application (1-3 days), login into ESSE3 with your "guest" account user-name and password. Then, pay the bulletin you find in Administrative Office – Payments.

NOTES:

A vademecum with a step-by-step guide to enroll to a single course at the University of Trento is available here
For any question on the registration process, please write to didattica@eledia.org