Optimizing Phased Array Beam Shape
Videos
In this video, we examine a technique to optimize a non-rectangular beam shape of a Phased Array. Phased Arrays use amplitude weighting (i.e. windowing) to control the level of the sidelobes. See how the application of windowing increases the level of design complexity of a non-rectangular array.
Focusing on TR 38.821 v16.2.0 3GPP recommendation for the beam shape led to a Phased Array design. The first design attempt did not meet the 3GPP recommendations. Using the optimization capability in SystemVue to perturb the weight values of the Phased Array window, the recommended beamwidths were successfully synthesized. A set of ground Minimum Detectable Signal (MDS) contours show how the improved design provides a larger coverage area that meets the minimum MDS requirement.
Once the design was implemented with realistic parts that include nonlinear and quantized real-world effects the optimized design no longer met the recommended beamwidth. The reduced beamwidth led to a noticeable degradation in the MDS ground contours coverage area.
