FDTD analysis of finite-sized linear phased arrays of stacked microstrip antennas

Contents The three-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) algorithm is used to analyze finite-sized phased array antennas. Coaxially-fed, capacitively coupled stacked microstrip antennas are analyzed. A phase shift in the time domain is implemented to model the effects of scanning angle. A rigorous feed model, suitable for FDTD analysis with the perfectly matched layer (PML) is used. The S-parameters, from which input impedance and mutual coupling are evaluated, as well as other important indices are calculated and compared with measured results.