Model Based Design for Frequency Scanning Array

Beam scanning with an array is used to focus RF energy in a specific direction. Typically, scanning is achieved by changing the phase shift applied to each element of the array. This requires use of phase shifter ICs to achieve the desired phase shift. The latency of these ICs can be a hindrance for fast switching. Frequency scanning arrays can be useful in such applications. In this paper, MATLAB® and Simulink® are used to build a model for a frequency scanning array consisting of power dividers, microstrip lines and the antenna array. This model-centric approach enables quick exploration of different antennas and optimization of the design to get the desired results. Integrating the antenna and phase shifter network directly on the hardware may result in output variation due to amplitude and phase mismatches. Model-Based Design enables us to simulate the integrated model to get accurate results.