Numerical Design of Patch Radiator Arrays

An electromagnetic analysis technique for probe–fed patch radiator phased arrays is presented that accurately models their driving point impedances and radiated electric fields. The use of this analysis methodology to both predict the behavior of and to design patch radiators is discussed. Salient features relevant to radiator synthesis are discussed, including radiator asymmetries due to multiple probe feeds and the realization of matching networks for wideband radiator operation. Key effects relevant to radiator performance, such as feed–network related resonances and surface wave effects, are elucidated and design examples are cited.