Microstrip Patch Array Design

Workflow Using CST MICROWAVE STUDIO®

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Introduction
Single element Array factor Antenna array

 design  full model

 TBP optimization
 optimization  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
3. Design and optimize a feeding network
 S11, bandwidth, gain, sidelobe level

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1. Design a Single Patch Element
Stackup ABS Cover

pW RO4350
Aluminium
pW
msW
Reference
plane

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

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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 Aluminium
At least 2 cells per air gap

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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
3. Design and optimize a feeding network
 S11, bandwidth, gain, sidelobe level

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Array Factor
Array Pattern Multiplication Farray( ,  )  Felement ( ,  ) AF ( ,  )
(for 5 patch antennas)

= x

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

Magnitudes will be optimized

mag3 mag2
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

File could contain variables

from CST MWS Parameter List
No ENTER there
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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
3. Design and optimize a feeding network
 S11, bandwidth, gain, sidelobe level

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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 Open (add Space)

symmetry (YZ plane)

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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 Phase delay due

the line and the to couplings.
patch

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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