Broadband FDTD simulation of finite phased array microstrip antennas

This paper describes the application of the finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD) for calculating broadband characteristics of finite-sized phased array antennas consisting of microstrip elements fed with coaxial probes. The motivation is to develop a computer-aided analysis technique that can be applied to the design and evaluation of an antenna array system. It is important to consider the effects of increased mutual coupling and the impedance of the radiating element, since they vary as the array is scanned. The most significant contribution is the calculation of broadband characteristics of phased array microstrip antennas using a full time-domain approach from the scan element patterns, and the use of a full time-domain approach to analyze finite-sized phased array microstrip antennas for different scan conditions.