Estimation of phased array patterns by the proposed numerical simulated method

Beamsteering for a phased array antenna generally causes the sidelobe level deterioration due to a variety of random and spatially correlated errors. Conventional array error analysis method is based on probability central limit theorem, and can be calculated by the probability statistic approach. In the paper, this reaserch presents a new estimation method of the phased array patterns by using numerical simulated model. Different from the conventional statistical analysis method, each unit error of the phased array antenna is taken into account rigorously. The element patterns with mutual coupling effects are researched by an active element pattern technique. The whole implemented process is not complicated calculous manipulation. The error samples of the phased array antenna are produced with normal distribution and corresponding array pattern simulated results are discussed. In order to validating the proposed method, an experimental phased array antenna is designed and machined, and the measured results indicate the proposed method is valid.