Abstract
A novel sparse array (SA) structure is proposed based on the maximum
inter-element spacing (IES) constraint (MISC) criterion. Compared with
the traditional MISC array, the proposed SA configurations, termed as
improved MISC (IMISC) has significantly increased uniform degrees of
freedom (uDOF) and reduced mutual coupling. In particular, the IMISC
arrays are composed of six uniform linear arrays (ULAs), which can be
determined by an IES set. The IES set is constrained by two parameters,
namely the maximum IES and the number of sensors. The uDOF of the IMISC
arrays is derived and the weight function of the IMISC arrays is
analyzed as well. The proposed IMISC arrays have a great advantage in
terms of uDOF against the existing SAs, while their mutual coupling
remains at a low level. Simulations are carried out to demonstrate the
advantages of the IMISC arrays.