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Setup would allow users to investigate array operation when elements are excited with non-correlated signals, resulting in higher cross-talk and more demanding designs.Classically, designers would use an electromagnetic (EM) simulator and antenna software for the phased array itself. As a system engineer designing the RF link, it is important to include the effects of the antenna and the phased array into the system-level design. Figure 4 shows a simplified link in VSS.Figure 4 • System-level phased-array design of the RF link.The second element, the TX phased array, is the system model element in the system simulator that is modeling the phased array.RF Link CharacterizationIn VSS the flow for modeling a phased array has been greatly automated. Users can put real antenna patterns into the element, and can actually couple the elements to get coupling effects for issues like nearest neighbors. In addition, the RF links can be individually modeled for each array element.Figure 5 shows the RF link characterization capability in the software. Rather than having to write text files manually, a new VSS measurement automatically generates the data-file model of the phased-array element RF link. The user starts with the RF link design (top-right) and uses a link characterization measurement to extract the RF link characteristics and save them to a file. The results are then used in the phased-array model. Figure 5 • VSS phased-array element with RF link characterization.Element Phased-Array Pattern MeasurementThe phased-array element in the Microwave Office circuit simulator can use real antenna patterns, derived from an EM simulator, as shown in the simple patch antenna example in Figure 6. The user designs the element and measures the radiation pattern in either AXIEM or Analyst EM simulator. The antenna patterns in the phased-array element within the simulator come either from an EM simulator or from measured

Must have a separate feed, making the feed structure coming into each element much more complex and requiring upconversion at each element. As arrays are getting bigger, hybrid architectures are employed as a mix of digital and RF beamforming.LTE Multi-Beam ExampleFigure 15 is an LTE multi-beam example using VSS. On the left a subcircuit labeled “4 LTE signals” can be seen. That subcircuit contains four LTE signal sources transmitted out of the same phased array, with each signal broadcast at a specific beam angle aimed at four different receivers. As the designer changes the beam angles, the performance of each receiver can be monitored and the system throughput can be displayed, showing the effect of beam steering and beam placement. VSS enables designers to see how accurately they need to control the beams in order to achieve acceptable power and data throughput. They can also monitor a number of other measurements, such as ACPR, EVM, constellation, etc.Figure 15 • LTE multi-beam example.28-GHz Phased-Array Transceiver ExampleFigure 16 is a VSS mockup of a 4 x 4 phased array prototype developed by IBM and Ericsson. Designers can run multiple tests to evaluate the performance of gain control, beam steering control, as well as array response over a range of frequencies.Figure 16 • 28 GHz phased-array transceiver in VSS.ConclusionNI AWR Design Environment provides a powerful framework for simulating complex 5G MIMO systems with multi-beam and beamforming capabilities. AXIEM and Analyst EM tools can be used for designing and evaluating the phased-array elements and their interactions. Element radiation patterns are included in phased-array system analysis. The effect of realistic RF links is included in the phased-array assembly to achieve realistic performance evaluations. A complete communication system can be modeled, inclusive of modulations, baseband processing, TX/RX links, noise effects, and propagation.About the AuthorsDr. Gent Paparisto,

Introduction The nondestructive testing (NDT) industry is experiencing an important technological advancement, as total focusing method (TFM) capable inspection devices are making their entry into the market. The TFM approach represents a significant step forward for phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) technology. However, some PAUT practitioners may still be confused about TFM and its relation to full matrix capture (FMC), as well as the differences between conventional PAUT and TFM/FMC processing. This application note provides a basic understanding of TFM imaging for people who are familiar with PAUT imaging. For conciseness and clarity, aspects related to ultrasound propagation modes are set aside. Conventional Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Imaging The hallmark of ultrasonic phased array is the capacity to focus and steer an acoustic beam at a desired position in an inspected part. The phased array focusing approach uses delays, applied on both the transmission and reception elements of the phased array probe, to synchronize the time of flights of short, pulsed waveforms at the position of interest. At the focal zone in the specimen, the width of the generated acoustic beam narrows, and the corresponding detection resolution increases dramatically. Physical Beamforming Conventional phased array uses the physical superposition of elementary acoustic waves in transmission to produce an acoustic beam aimed at a specific focused depth in the inspected piece. The set of transmitter elements form an aperture from which a coherent acoustic pulse emerges. The action of conventional phased array transmission is referred to as “physical” beamforming. In an S-scan, for instance, physical beamforming acquisition occurs for each user-specified angle. Synthetic Beamforming At the end of the acoustic loop between the transmitter, the scatterer, and the receiver, the elements that compose the receiving aperture register all returning echoes from the inspected part as A-scans. A-scan data contains the echo

Starlink's Phased Array Antenna Technology: The Key to Seamless Satellite ConnectivityIn the realm of modern satellite communication, SpaceX's Starlink system stands out for its innovative use of phased array antenna technology. This advanced technology is the backbone of Starlink's ability to maintain reliable and high-speed connections with its constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.Phased Array Antenna DesignAt the heart of Starlink's ground stations are phased array antennas, which consist of hundreds of small antennas synchronized with picosecond precision. These antennas are arranged in a hexagonal pattern, resembling a honeycomb structure, and are stacked in multiple layers within the flat, compact dish[4].Each layer of the antenna array is slightly shifted from the next, allowing the system to focus on different parts of the sky as satellites move across the horizon. This design enables the antenna to track satellites without the need for mechanical movement, a significant advancement over traditional rotating radar antennas[3].Beamforming and Beam SteeringThe phased array technology employs beamforming techniques to combine the power of multiple antennas and create directional signals. By adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals from each antenna, the system can steer these signals electronically, creating a pattern of interferences that effectively focus the beam in a specific direction. This capability allows Starlink to track satellites across the sky and maintain a stable connection as the satellites move[4].Electronic Steering and SynchronizationThe synchronization of the antennas is crucial, as it allows the system to adjust the delay between the antennas with high precision. This adjustment enables the overall device to track satellites without mechanical movement, a feat that is particularly important given the rapid movement of LEO satellites. These satellites appear above the horizon and move across to the opposite horizon in a matter of tens of minutes, necessitating a system that can dynamically adjust its focus[2].Antenna Structure and MaterialsThe Starlink dish contains layers of antenna arrays printed like circuit boards and stacked one atop the next. The antennas themselves are often made of materials like silica, and they are coupled to each other both laterally and vertically using precise spacers and materials. The distance between the antennas is determined by the frequency of operation, and the use of air-coupled patches between the layers enhances the performance and bandwidth of the antenna[1].Signal Optimization and Interference ReductionThe phased array design also includes techniques to optimize signal strength and reduce interference. By adjusting the height between the patches, the material between them, and the distance between the antennas, the system can increase the bandwidth, reduce resonances, and enhance the gain of the antenna. This ensures high data transmission speeds and low latency, making the service suitable for demanding applications such as video streaming and large file transfers[1][4].Integration with Satellite ConstellationEach Starlink satellite is equipped with four phased array antennas, which enable dynamic beam steering to communicate with different ground stations and provide seamless coverage. The satellites also use optical intersatellite links to communicate with each other at ultra-fast speeds, further enhancing the efficiency and speed of data transfer

The transmission line.This type of phase shifter offers a higher power rating, lower VSWR and insertion loss. These are often larger than the digital and analog phase shifters. The change of phase is not flat over the frequency, but it changes proportionally over the frequency range. Below is a chart that shows the relationship between frequency and phase.Figure 10: Frequency Phase ChartThis is the type of phase shifter Impulse Technologies manufactures with frequency ranges from 10MHz up to 40GHz. The phase range available is either 0°-360°, 30° per GHz or 60° per GHz. It is available with 2 different adjustment options, a standard knob or a digital dial. The advantage of the digital dial is that it provides the phase change at 1 GHz which can easily be scaled up to the frequency of interest by multiplying it with that frequency in GHz.Applications of a Phase ShifterSo, what are phase shifters used for? Basically, they are used in devices where the phase angle of an RF signal needs to be changed. Common applications are phase modulators, RF test equipment, frequency up-converters, TR Modules and Phased Array Antenna Systems.Figure 10 below is an example of a phased array antenna system to illustrate the use of a phase shifter. The signal from the amplifier goes through the attenuator and phase shifter for each element to align amplitude and phase to each other to control the direction and the shape of the beam. By adjusting the phase for each antenna, a wave front can be created that moves at a desired angle from the phased array antenna system. These systems are used in radar systems but now also in 5G MIMO applications. Phased array antennas are also used in automotive radars for the purpose of traffic control and collision avoidance.Figure 11: Phase Array Antenna System By Dirk Aubram|2023-12-19T15:56:27-05:00December 19th, 2023| © Copyright 2012 - 2025 Impulse Technologies, Inc.Contact UsImpulse Technologies Inc.1989 Union Blvd.Bay Shore, NY 11706 USA Page load link Go to Top