Design and Simulation of Phased Array Antenna Beamforming Unit (ABFU) for 28GHz Radar Applications

This paper presents the design and implementation of phased array antenna beamforming units for radar applications, focusing on 8x8, 16x16, and 32x32 antenna arrays. The proposed system utilizes advanced digital and analog beamforming techniques to enable precise directional control and enhanced target detection. By employing electronically controlled phase shifters and amplitude modulators, the system offers seamless dynamic beam steering without mechanical movement, ensuring high reliability and rapid response times in diverse environments. Simulation and results, conducted using Keysight's SystemVue software operating at X-band (20-30GHz), demonstrate significant performance improvements, including reduced sidelobe levels, enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and superior detection accuracy. The 8x8 array achieves gains of 15-20 dB, the 16x16 array provides 25-30 dB, and the 32x32 array delivers gains exceeding 35 dB, with beamwidths ranging from 12° to under 3°. Key innovations include machine learning-based calibration techniques to compensate for hardware imperfections, further enhancing performance. This technology shows promise for radar applications in defense, aerospace, automotive systems.