Abstract
This paper presents a complete hybrid numerical methodology for the efficient design and optimization of large-scale Transmit-Array (TA) antennas for modern telecommunication applications. There are four main components to the proposed work and methodology: 1) the implementation through Python scripts of a hybrid scheme based on the Friis analytical formula for linking gain and phase of the primary source and elementary cells of the studied transmit-array; 2) the implementation of a Particle Swarm Optimizer (PSO) for efficient characterization of the optimal phase distribution on the in-plane lens maximizing the gain of the antenna and minimizing the side-lobe levels for multiple fed TA antennas; 3) the implementation of a full-wave Finite element and Interconnecting domain decomposition (FETI) for the final analysis of the TA radiating performance; 4) the design, optimization, fabrication and proof of concept of an X band transmit-array including the focal source. This work presents the main functionalities of the hybrid Python/CST tool associated with phase compensation PSO, FETI implementation for transmit-arrays and as an application of this numerical strategy, a new compact unit-cell operating in the X-band (thickness of 3.2 mm) able to easily generate Phase Rotations (PR) necessary for TAs with phase compensation on the aperture. The proposed unit-cell is a completely symmetric design including a metallic via interconnecting two identical square patches (including a circular hole in the center and a microstrip line) by crossing through a ground plane. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) routine is proposed as a way to quickly optimize the phase distribution of the transmit-array unit-cells. The optimization routine is tested through multiple sources and focal ratios, demonstrating a reduction of over 50% of the volume occupied by the antenna, while keeping a high gain (19.5 dBi) and overall good performance.
Highlights
Transmit-array (TA) is a popular cost-effective solution for high-gain antennas at millimeter wavelengths, for telecommunications or space applications
The work presented in this paper aims to propose a design and simulation methodology for large TA antennas that greatly reduces the full wave simulation efforts, which are essential for the final analysis [15], reducing the time and memory consumption in the design phase of these antennas
The particle swarm optimization (PSO) optimization routine is tested through multiple sources and focal ratios, demonstrating a reduction of over 50% of the volume occupied by the antenna, while keeping a high gain (≥ 19.5) dBi and overall good performance
Summary
Transmit-array (TA) is a popular cost-effective solution for high-gain antennas at millimeter wavelengths, for telecommunications or space applications. V. APPLICATION TO THE DESIGN OF A LINEAR POLARIZATION TRANSMIT-ARRAY IN THE X BAND For illustrating the efficiency of the hybrid numerical strategy proposed, we discuss the design and the optimization of a new low-profile X band unit-cell and the reduction of the volume occupied by the antenna (F/D) with a patch array as a focal source instead of an initial horn source. The design of the TA is optimized in terms of focal length (F ) with the hybrid analytical/exact tool presented, to efficiently design transmit-arrays and obtain their performance As presented previously, it is first necessary, using commercial software such as CST Microwave Studio [13], to obtain the gain and phase diagrams of the primary source (making it possible to determine the distribution of the electric field illuminating the array on the primary source side) as well as the unit-cell (allowing evaluation of the radiation performance of the transmit-array). The simulation times demonstrate clearly the efficiency of the hybrid code for fast design of transmitarrays
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