Overcoming the Challenges of Simulating Phased-Array Radar Systems

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 difficult, 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. Overcoming the Challenges of Simulating Phased-Array Radar Systems