An innovative design method of conformal array antennas is presented by utilizing characteristic mode analysis (CMA) in this work. A single-layer continuous perfect electric conductor under bending conditions is conducted by CMA to evaluate the variations in operating performance. By using this method, the design process of a conformal array is simplified. The results indicate that the operating performance of the antenna with single-layer metal radiation structure remains stable within a certain range of curvature. Subsequently, an infinite array element using single-layer metal radiation structure is designed, operating in ultra-wideband and dual polarization. Following, an 8 * 8 ultra-wideband dual-polarized cylindrical-conformal array (UDCA) is developed by wrapping the planar arrays to a cylindric surface, which has a stable operating performance even at a curvature radius as small as 100 mm. Finally, a physical prototype is cost-effectively fabricated by novel manufacturing solutions that stack three-layer conformal substrate. The experimental result demonstrates that the proposed UDCA with a 1.2{\lambda} curvature radius operates at 3.6~9.6 GHz (90.9%) and achieves 60{\deg} wide-angle scanning in two principal planes, which provides a practical and promising solution for conformal array applications. The insights derived from the CMA offer a direction for further advancement in conformal antenna research.

翻译：本文提出了一种利用特性模式分析（CMA）的共形阵列天线创新设计方法。通过对弯曲状态下的单层连续理想导体进行CMA分析，评估其工作性能的变化。该方法简化了共形阵列的设计流程。结果表明，采用单层金属辐射结构的天线在曲率一定范围内具有稳定的工作性能。随后，基于单层金属辐射结构设计了工作于超宽带且具有双极化特性的无限阵列单元。进而通过将平面阵列包裹于圆柱表面，开发了8×8超宽带双极化圆柱共形阵列（UDCA），该阵列在曲率半径小至100 mm时仍保持稳定工作性能。最后，采用堆叠三层共形衬底的新型低成本制造方案制作了实物样机。实验结果表明，所提出的UDCA在曲率半径为1.2λ时工作于3.6~9.6 GHz（90.9%），并在两个主平面内实现60°宽角扫描，为共形阵列应用提供了实用且前景广阔的解决方案。从CMA中获得的见解为共形天线研究的进一步发展指明了方向。