Computer-aided design of microstrip antenna array

The design and manufacture of microstrip array antennas critically rely on computer-aided design (CAD) software tools. When the operating frequency is high, the full wave analysis is required. However, mutual coupling can be ignored for the majority of arrays. Therefore, the integrated analysis is not always necessary. In this paper, the full wave analysis is taken on the 2/spl times/2 subarray module and the loaded feed network separately. The CAD software tool is used in conjunction with the knowledge of basic array theory and physical insight of impedance matching through the Smith chart. An example of designing a Ku band compact microstrip array antenna is given to illustrate the above approach. The size in one dimension is reduced by a factor of 1.5 compared to the normal design. The experimental results agree with those of the theoretical prediction showing that there is no need for further experimental iteration.