Phased antenna array design with CST STUDIO SUITE

This paper illustrates a full simulation design flow for a low profile Ku band satellite communications phased array for airborne use. A variety of numerical methods are used in tandem on a single model within a single simulation environment to perform the complete design and analysis of the array. An FEM simulation with a full Floquet port boundary implementation is used to optimize the cell geometry of the array unit cell simultaneously for operation at multiple frequencies and multiple scan angles. A time domain approach is used to analyse the full array including edge effects and curvature of an enclosure. A hybrid field coupling approach employs an asymptotic shooting bouncing ray (SBR) simulation to predict the installed performance of the array on the roof of an aircraft. The effect of an aerodynamic sandwich radome is considered as part on the radiating structure, both at the unit cell level and the full array level.