Phase sensitivity of the projection method for a beam tilting deformed array

Antenna arrays laid on surfaces that change shape in time are widely employed in modern wireless communication devices. An issue related to the design of these antenna systems is the control of the radiation pattern, whose shape results to be distorted as a consequence of the surface deformation. The projection method is a simple and cost-effective technique that allows to retrieve the pattern of deformed arrays, by using uniquely a set of phase shifters. As the resolution desired for a phase shifter can impact considerably on its cost, a preliminary study about the actual minimum phase step required can support the designer when purchasing the equipment for an experimental setup. In this work we make an analytical study, supported by CST simulations, on the approximation that can be made on the phase correction to be applied to an 1 × 4 half-wedge-deformed array.