Go to playground home.

Phased Array Generator Wizard

This page contains improvements to the AWR Design Environment for phased-array designers.

License Requirements: VSS-250 or greater and either the 5G library (W5G-100) or the Radar Library (RDR-100)


Efficiently design, configure and simulate phased array systems

Perform trade-offs between various phased array design options:

  • Explore options for the array geometry (rectangular or triangular lattice, circular with multiple concentric circles, custom)

  • Define antenna elements - the same or unique radiation patterns for each array element/groups of elements

  • Characterize RF links connected to each element

  • Investigate effects of element failures on array performance

  • Steer array to desired Theta and Phi direction

Generate full system-level designs of the phased array systems that can be used for further analysis, can be incorporated into larger systems to create more complex architectures.

Generate schematic and EM layouts of the phased array for further analysis with circuit and/or EM simulators in AWRDE.


Phased Array Generator

The project contains a pre-configured phased array design to simplify the configuration process. Start by clicking the Open Project button below, which will open the example project. Under the Wizards node in the Project tab, locate the Phased Array Generator Wizard and double-click on the 4x4 Phased Array instance. This will open the Phased Array Generator wizard with the pre-configured phased array.


Array Design Trade-offs

Use this wizard to define the array configuration of your choice. From the menu bar, click Analysis/New Floating Antenna Pattern View to see a 3D response of the phased array and immediately observe the effect of various configuration choices. Select the available tabs in the wizard and explore / play with the following characteristics of the array:

  • Geometry: User can specify the array geometry by using either the standard Lattice or Circular architectures, or their own custom design.
  • Feed Network: Array can be designed to operate in the traditional phased array mode or in a MIMO configuration. In phased array mode, users can define the characteristics of their splitter/combiner networks; such characteristics can be frequency-dependent.
  • Element Groups: Array elements may be arranged into groups, such as inner, edge and corner elements. The wizard can perform such grouping automatically, and user can modify such assignment. Color is used to visually show the elements in each group.
  • Element Antennas: Specific characteristics may be defined for the element antennas, either for all elements in the array, for elements on each group or for individual elements. Such characteristics may be either behavioral (gain, directivity/efficiency, effective area) or radiation patterns measured through EM simulations or measurements.
  • Element RF Links: Specific link characteristics may be defined for the array operating in TX or RX mode. Furthermore, different RF links may be defined and assigned to different groups or elements in the array.
  • Tapers: Standard or custom tapers may be used in the array.
  • Failures: Effect of failures in the array performance can be observed by selecting either a failure rate or specific elements in the array.

When finished with configuration of the phased array, close the wizard and save or discard changes.


Generate System Diagrams and Testbench

Once content with the array configuration, click Generate > Generate System Diagrams... An implementation of the phased array as a series of subcircuits will be generated. All subcircuits are automatically configured with the correct phase shifts and taper values. A testbench and a response graph are also created. This array implementation may be used for further analysis in VSS or as part of a larger system.

To view a pre-generated testbench, system diagrams and array response click the button below.


Generate PHARRAY_F Data File and Testbench

A PHARRAY_F block may be used to model the designed phased array in VSS. To generate the configuration file for PHARRAY_F, click on Generate > Generate PHARRAY_F Data File... A testbench containing the properly configured PHAARRAY_F, the configuration file and a response graph are created. The configuration file may be appended with additional configuration options, such as mutual coupling, etc. Similarly, this array implementation may be used for more detailed analysis in VSS or as part of a larger system.

To view a pre-generated testbench, configuration file and array response click the button below.


Generate Schematic and EM Layout

The wizard may also create a schematic of the phased array system and an EM layout of the phased array, which can be used for a wide range of purposes. If a patch is already designed and included in the project, the wizard can use it during the generation process. One of the usages of the created schematic may be to measure the active impedances at each of the antenna element ports as a function of the scan angle. The EM layout may be also used to perform in-situ analysis and calculate the response of the phased array using EM simulations.

To view pre-generated schematics, 3D layouts and radiation patterns click the button below.