Multiple-array configuration can achieve higher resolution by copying sub-aperture configuration to expand the size of the whole array. A modified signal noise ratio (SNR) is proposed to evaluate the imaging performance of optical sparse aperture systems. Based on the traditional array configuration, including the annulus, Golay-6 and the Tri-arm, two different ways for designing the multiple-array configuration are investigated. The imaging performances of six multiple-array configurations are analyzed according to their modulation transfer functions the evaluation criteria of the correlation coefficient and the modified SNR. The optical imaging experiments with the image of remotesensing as propagating object have been fulfilled. The results show that the main-array configuration plays the key role on the quality of the imaging, and the sub-array configuration can only improve the imaging performance to a certain degree. This means that the different design of the multiple-array configurations may lead to the different quality of the imaging. In order to optimize the array, the characteristics of the main-array should be considered to choose the way arranging its sub-array configuration.