Microstrip patch phased array on a cylinder

Abstract

The radiation behavior of patch elements in a phase steered array has been documented. The frequency of operation was set to 5.7 GHz. Beam steering +or-30 degrees in the azimuth without phase compensation to the outermost elements was specified. Beam steering in the elevation plane was also desirable as an option, as well as circular polarization. The patch element was theoretically described by surface currents on the substrate, using two current modes, and one axial and one circumferential. The mutual coupling was incorporated by adopting an element by element procedure. The scattering matrix as measured from a center element was implemented. The return loss measured at each element with the surrounding elements terminated in matched loads was overall better than 20 dB at the center frequency. The measured active element pattern for the center element showed good agreement with the calculated radiation pattern with the mutual coupling included.< >