PhasedArrayInVSS_11

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Design and Simulation of Phased Arrays in VSSGent Paparisto, PhDProblem DefinitionDesignSimulate phased arrays with hundreds of elementsConfigure via GUI, equations or data fileLow overhead - implemented as a single VSS blockAllow implementation of beamforming algorithms

CharacterizationEvaluate effects of hardware impairmentsCharacterize RF links for each antenna element11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved. Typical ImplementationPhased arrays implemented using discrete blocksDefine gain & phase offset for each elementSpecify RF link for each array elementAllows implementation of beamforming algorithmsGood for relatively small phased arrays11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.

VSS Phased ArrayCapable of simulating very large phased arraysStandard or custom array architecturesImplement standard or user-defined tapersSupport various signal distribution schemesAllow implementation of array imperfectionsCharacterize individual elementsFrequency dependent configuration11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved. Capable of simulating very large phased arraysImplemented as a single input / single output moduleAvoid data passing between discrete blocks

Configured via GUI page, equations or data fileStandard linear, rectangular or triangular structuresCustom array architectures

Standard or user-defined tapersDolph-Chebychev, Taylor, etc.

Support various signal distribution schemesAllow implementation of array imperfectionsImperfect array geometryImperfect signal distribution circuitryElement characterizationSystem or circuit level modelingFrequency dependent configurationRadiation pattern calculated as function of azimuth, elevation, frequency, etc.

4VSS Phased Array ConfigurationTX/RX modesSeveral divider typesDistance unitsMetricImperialWavelength (l)Signal frequencyFor metric/imperialSteering anglesAngles of Incidence 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.

Phased Array GeometryStandard array geometry configurationsLattice (rectangular, triangular)Circular (multiple concentric circles)Custom configurationsConfigured via X/Y locations 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved. dxdygGain TapersStandard tapers:Dolph-ChebyshevSide-lobe ratio (dB)TaylorSide-lobe ratio (dB)Near-equal side lobesUniformUser defined tapersGain/phase vectors for each element11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved. Array ImperfectionsGeometry ImperfectionsOffsets from X/Y nominal locationsSignal distribution delaysLarge phase arrays much more sensitive to delaysModeled as phase offsets between elementsElement failureRandom (% of total number of elements)Deterministic (specific array elements)11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved. Element CharacterizationUse a configuration fileRF links for each element characterized via lab measurements and/or external toolsTypical or individual characteristics may be defined

Generated in VSS via scripted automationCan individually characterize RF link for each elementRun once prior to main simulation, results stored in fileVSS optimization techniques may be used to generate statistically accurate data for large arrays

11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.

Phased Array Test BenchPhased array characterizationAntenna pattern, array response, HPBW, etc.RF analysis and planningSystem level simulations with modulated signals 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.

Typical radiation pattern may be calculated for different planes in azimuth or elevation HPBW: 3dB (half-power) beam width

10Linear Array ExampleLinear array with 16 elements, NX=16, dx=l/2Dolph-Chebyshev taper, SLR=40dBSteering angles: q =15, f =45Measured HPBW = 12.811/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.

Planar Array ExampleRectangular lattice, NX=16, NY=4, dX=dY=l/2Dolph-Chebyshev, SLR=40dB, along X direction11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.

Measured HPBW = 12.1Circular Phased Array ConfigurationConfigured via NC, R, f0 parametersConcentric circles defined via vector entries11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.

Uniform Circular Array: UCA(16)Uniform Circular Centered Array: UCCA(1,18)Planar Uniform Circular Array: UCA(1,6,12)Element Failure AnalysisRectangular (16x4) array, l/2 spaced elementsElement failure results in side lobe response degradation11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.

Failure rate = 2%(element# 9)Failure rate = 5%(element# 9, 36, 55)Signal Distribution DelayLinear array with 64 elements, l/2 spacedDelay offsets of 5 between elementsNotice shift of main lobe in array response

11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.

Typical AnalysisEvaluate array performance for over a range or power levels and/or frequenciesPerform various budget analysis measurements such as cascade NF, P1dB, G/T, etc.Evaluate sensitivity to imperfections and HW impairments via yield analysisPerform end-to-end system simulations using a complete model of the phased array11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved. ConclusionThe new VSS phased array capabilities:

Design and evaluation of very large arraysEase of configuration and reduced overheadShorter design and simulation timesProduce designs that match real-world results by accounting for array & HW imperfectionsModel element RF architecture and provide a characterization of the whole array11/1/2013 2013 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.