Practical consideration of dual-feed switched-beam patch antennas in a phased array design

Abstract

This paper presents mutual coupling between dualfeed switched-beam patch antennas that affects input impedances and radiation patterns. Analysis is carried out by using CST electromagnetic simulator to provide a single element that has good matching and radiation patterns. Then, mutual coupling between side-by-side and parallel-in-echelon configurations at various distances are plotted to know mutual impedance between elements and radiation patterns. The resultant radiation patterns of a phased array of switched-beam elements have shallow null that must be compensated in practical use.