Microstrip Patch Array Design

Workflow Using CST MICROWAVE STUDIO

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Introduction
Single element Array factor Antenna array

design optimization

TBP optimization

full model feeding network

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Design Procedure
1. Design a single patch element
Resonant frequency, (gain)

2. Postprocessing optimization of feeding coefficients and spacing (Array Factor)

Gain, sidelobe level S11, bandwidth, gain, sidelobe level

3. Design and optimize a feeding network

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1. Design a Single Patch Element

Stackup
ABS Cover

pW msW
pW Reference plane

RO4350
Aluminium

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Microstrip Width

msW

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Create the Waveguide Port

Macros -> Solver -> Port -> Calculate port extension coefficient

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Symmetry Settings
Magnetic symmetry in YZ plane Open (add space) boundaries are used to estimate backlobes

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Mesh Settings (1/2)

At least 2 - 4 cells per strip width

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Mesh Settings (2/2)

ABS Cover

RO4350
2 cells per substrate height At least 2 cells per air gap

Aluminium

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Patch Width for Resonance at 5.5GHz

pW=19.5mm
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Electric Field at 5.5GHz

Radiation Standing wave ABS Radome (not shown)

Travelling wave

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Single Patch Farfield Pattern

Discrete face port

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Design Procedure
1. Design a single patch element
Resonant frequency, (gain)

2. Postprocessing optimization of feeding coefficients and spacing (Array Factor)

Gain, sidelobe level S11, bandwidth, gain, sidelobe level

3. Design and optimize a feeding network

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Array Factor
Array Pattern Multiplication (for 5 patch antennas)

Farray( , ) Felement ( , ) AF ( , )

=
Assumptions: identical elements with no coupling.
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Farfield Pattern for Uniform Array

phi=0 phi=45 phi=90

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Magnitudes for Optimal Array

mag2 mag1

mag3

mag2

mag3

mag2

Magnitudes will be optimized in order to minimize sidelobe level

mag2

mag1

Online demonstration

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Optimize Feeding Coefficients

(Optimal Array)
phi=0 phi=45 phi=90

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Optimizer Settings
(Optimal Array)

Only TBP results are evaluated

Not necessary to optimize mag3 (mag1, mag2 are relative) The spacing parameter was optimized for uniform array

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Template Based Postproc. Settings

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Arbitrary Array Distribution

One TAB there

No ENTER there
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File could contain variables from CST MWS Parameter List

Array Factor Approach Validation

(Optimal Array)

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Array Wizard Macro

Construct finite array Update Simultaneous Excitation Combine results (no Sim.Ex.) Setup array factor

Online demonstration
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Array Construction with Array Wizard

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Design Procedure
1. Design a single patch element
Resonant frequency, (gain)

2. Postprocessing optimization of feeding coefficients and spacing (Array Factor)

Gain, sidelobe level S11, bandwidth, gain, sidelobe level

3. Design and optimize a feeding network

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Farfield Effects of Housing

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Include ABS Cover

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Effect of Housing on Farfield Pattern

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Effect of Housing on Farfield Pattern

The actual housing effects mainly the back radiation

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Feeding Network Design

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Compute 16-port S-parameters

Discrete Face port

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S-Parameter Symmetry Settings

16-port excitation reduced to 4-port

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Design the Feeding Network Using Ideal Transmission Lines

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Optimize the Feeding Network in DS

(Optimal Array)

16 parameters to be optimized

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Farfield + Feeding Network

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Feeding Network (3D Model)

This half is mirrored

Curves Trace from Curve

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Symmetry Settings (1/2)

Magnetic symmetry (YZ plane)
Open (add Space)

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Symmetry Settings (2/2)

Is it possible to use a symmetry in ZX plane ?

No symmetry in ZX plane: The microstrip requires magnetic symmetry however the patches require electric symmetry.

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Mesh Settings (1/2)

2 cells per strip width

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Mesh Settings (2/2)

2 cells per substrate height

Influences simulation speed

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Initial Feeding Network Results

3D optimization is necessary to include couplings between the feed network and radiating elements.
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Electric Field
Coupling between the line and the patch Phase delay due to couplings.

Full wave 3D optimization

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Optimizer Settings
(Uniform Array)
Very effective for 3D optimization

13 parameters to be optimized

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Optimized S-Parameters
(Uniform array)

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Optimized Farfield Pattern

(Uniform array)

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Key Features for Antenna Array Design

Start with simple models and add complexity Post processing optimization of farfield pattern Array wizard macro for array construction or array factor settings 3D EM/ Circuit co-simulation (feeding network) Trust Region Framework optimizer for 3D optimization GPU acceleration

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Conclusion
Divide complex task into smaller ones. Use best approach at each stage. Optimize your device.

Shorten your development cycle.

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Thank you!
Any questions?

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