MATLAB ® Simulation Tool for Antenna Array Pattern Development

Adaptive antenna arrays are widely used in wireless communication and radar. The understanding of array design and optimization often needs sophisticated signal processing methods to estimate the Degree of Arrival (DoA). DoA estimation algorithms often require numerical analysis. We propose an educational tool that can be utilized for adaptive antenna array simulation and DoA estimation. There were two major factors behind the motivation of this work. First, development of antenna arrays relies heavily on software packages focused on the individual antenna element design. Each software package that is used requires a license and may not match software in other institutions. Executing simulations and viewing their data within a common environment is needed. Second, executing DoA estimation algorithms is too cumbersome to be implemented within these simulation tools. We propose a new program that treats array elements as single points and only utilizes their relative locations and orientations to ease calculation by algorithms. This program is written in MATLAB® as it is used by most institutions. The program utilizes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to visualize the array developed. Then the program may also be utilized to call antenna simulation software, such as free simulation software, Numerical Electromagnetics Code (NEC) to obtain each antenna element radiation patterns. We provide a modeling and simulation suite that users can develop new functions for its library under three categories: geometry-development functions, signal-generating functions, and DoA algorithm functions. Users may develop a shareable library of functions that can be run in a common environment.