Design, Simulation & Development of X-Band Microstrip Planar/Linear Phased Array Antenna

Abstract

The potential for increased target handling capability is limited in conventional Mechanically Scanned Radars. Mechanically scanned systems are inherently slow; require large power in order to respond to high speed maneuvering targets and reduced reaction time due to antenna inertia. With electronic scanning, the radar beams are positioned almost instantaneously and completely without the inertia, time lags, mechanical errors, vibrations and failures associated with mechanical systems. The major emphasis of project was to design a microcontroller based cost effective solution for high resolution Phased Array Antenna System at 1 and 10 GHz using microstrip line technology. Varactor Diode based Phase Shifter design was simulated in Agilent ADS while Antenna Array and Power Divider Circuit were simulated in Ansoft HFSS at 1 and 10 GHz for 3 different substrates (Duroid 5880, Duroid 6006 and FR4). Due to cost and availability constraints final design was fabricated at 1 GHz using FR4. Phase Shift is controlled by Microcontroller interfaced Digital to Analog Converter. System was made User Friendly by incorporation of Keypad and LCD for controlling the System. Note: Design was also fabricated at 10 GHz but we could not arrange X-Band Varactor Diodes because they are banned in Pakistan