Agilent Overcoming the Challenges of Simulating Phased-Array Radar Systems 5991-4060EN c20140714 [13] free download

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Keysight Technologies Overcoming the Challenges of Simulating Phased-Array Radar Systems Application Note Introduction Phased array is widely used in modern radar systems for rapid multi-target search and track operations, as well as to achieve higher resolution and better detection performance. Despite these enviable benefits, when developing phased-array radar many issues may be encountered. For modern engineers, that often means a myriad of test challenges, not the least of which is finding a way to improve performance while also reducing the high cost associated with Transmit/Receive (T/R) modules with Direct Digital Synthesizers (DDSs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs). Also of concern to the engineer is finding a way to work effectively with the entire development team--the system architect, the RF team and the signal processing team. Additionally, calibration of the T/R module can be dif- ficult, not to mention time consuming and expensive. Addressing these challenges demands an appropriate method of designing and testing phased-array radar systems; one that streamlines the R&D lifecycle so that faster, cheaper, better phased-array radar systems can be achieved. 2 Phased-array radar design: The basics There are two types of phased-array radar systems: passive and active The same cannot be said of radar based on an Active Electronically (Figure 1). In a passive system, a baseband source is connected to a Scanned Array (AESA). In contrast to a PESA radar, AESA devices single large Transmitter (Tx) with a High Power Amplifier (HPA). The Tx have T/R modules containing small Tx and Rx designs located behind is connected to a beamformer followed by the antenna unit, the return each radiating element and the baseband source is connected to the signals of which are connected to a single Receiver (Rx) and subse- beamformer. Transmitter power is distributed through many small quently, to the baseband receiver. In passive systems, the signal loss PAs to the antennas, while the baseband receiver receives signals between radiating elements and the T/R can be quite large. However, through antennas in many small Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs). In an because passive antenna systems have a central Radio Frequency (RF) active system, the signal loss between the PA/LNA and the radiating source, developing a radar system based on a Passive Electronically element is much smaller than in a passive system. Electronic scan- Scanned Array (PESA) is a fairly straightforward process. ning is therefore used, which enables faster, more flexible searching.