PAASoM: A simulation tool in Matlab for phased array analysis

A simulation tool has been developped using Matlab [1] to analyse the radiation characteristics of phased array antennas. This program is called PAASoM, standing for Phased Array Antenna Software in Matlab. Matlab has been chosen for its capability of data plotting and the multiple mathematical functions that are already defined. The software program PAASoM allows the studies of arrays of different geometries and lattices, and with the possibility of weighting each element in phase and magnitude. The elements can be grouped in sub-arrays, and each sub-array can have its own phase weigthing. The array factor can be calculated in one or several planes as a function of a parameter given by the user. This parameter can be the number of bits of the phase shifters, the scanning angle, the frequency or the azimuth angle indicating the plane of calculation. Error analysis can also be carried out. The error can be on the magnitude, the phase or the position of each element.