Example 11: 20x20 Pattern File Array with Window Algorithm

This case explains how to use the window algorithms to calculates the pointing parameters in a bidimensional pattern file array.

Step 1 Create a new MoM Project.

Open newFASANT and select File - New option.



Figure 1. New Project panel

Select MOM option on the previous figure and start to configure the project.

Step 2 Set the simulation parameters as shown.

Select Simulation - Parameters option, set the parameters and save it.



Figure 2. Simulation panel

Step 3 Import the pattern file

Select Source - Import PatternFile and click on the Import button.



Figure 3. Open DIA File panel

The file is now imported.



Figure 4. Import DIA File panel

Step 4 Create the array

Click on Source - Pattern File - Pattern File Array to create an array of 20x20 pattern file dipoles, with a spacing of 0.04m, that are oriented following the z-axis. The array is located on the XY plane. The spacing of 0.04m is equivalent to a spacing of 0.267 in units of lambda, at a frequency of 2 GHz.



Figure 5. Pattern File Array panel

Step 5 Feed the array

To set the feeding of the array select Source - Antenna Feeding and the following panel will open.



Figure 6. Antenna Feeding panel

This is the default setting. To use the window algorithm click on Tools - User Function and select the corresponding function (which can be downloaded). NOTE To use the bidimensional window function it is needed to download both the bidimensional and the unidimensional functions.



Figure 7. Bidimensional Window function

A path has been selected by default so the files will be created on the mydatafiles folder in the newFASANT directory.



Figure 8. Bidimensional Window function

The next step is generating the text file. To do so click on Tools - Calculator and write the call to the function.



Figure 9. Calculator panel
The parameters to set are:
  • d1: element spacing of the array in the x axis in units of lambda.
  • N1: number of array elements of the array in the x axis.
  • d2: element spacing of the array in the y axis in units of lambda.
  • N2: number of array elements of the array in the y axis.
  • theta: beam angle, in degrees.
  • phi: azimuth angle, in degrees.
  • A: minimum amplitude of the window (by default A=1.0).
  • B: maximum amplitude of the window (by default B=2.0).

In this case, set the parameters as shown. Angles of theta=20º and phi=0º are selected as an example.



Figure 10. Calculator panel

The text file will be automatically generated in the mydatafiles folder.



Figure 11. Results file

Now, apply these results to the array created before by clicking on Source - Antenna Feeding.

The panel shown before will appear. To use the weights and phases calculated with the window algorithm, click on Import.



Figure 12. Amplitude/Phase File panel

Select the corresponding file and save the feeding.

Step 6 Create ground plane.

In order to avoid unwanted radiation to go below the array, create a ground plane using the plane command, or Geometry - Surface - Plane. The array is situated in the XY plane with z=0, so the z coordinate has to be negative.



Figure 13. Plane parameters

View of the pattern file array.



Figure 14. Array view

Step 7 Solver parameters.

Select Solver - Advanced Options and set the parameters as shown.



Figure 15. Solver Advanced Options panel

Step 8 Meshing the geometry model.

Select Mesh - Create Mesh to open the meshing configuration panel and then set the parameters as show the next figure.



Figure 16. Meshing panel

Click on Mesh.

Step 9 Execute the simulation.

Select Calculate - Execute option to open simulation panel.



Figure 17. Calculate panel

Step 10 Show Results

The radiation cuts can be visualized by clicking on Show Results - Radiation Pattern - View Cuts.



Figure 18. Radiation Pattern Cuts

The radiation pattern can be visualized by clicking on Show Results - Radiation Pattern - View 3D Pattern.



Figure 19. Radiation Pattern 3D