Microstrip phased array development using microwave antenna CAD tools

A comprehensive design of a planar circular phased array using the combination of two software packages Ensemble of Ansoft and HPEESof is presented. A 2-ring linearly polarized circular phased array antenna at L-band is chosen as a design example. The simulated results are compared with the experimental results and good agreement is obtained for return loss and radiation patterns. This agreement gives confidence to the designer to use a software approach to the design of a planar phased array without delving through the difficult and expensive path of developing and testing prototypes.