A Digital Simulation Model of Broadband Phased Array RF System and Its Application

The design and application of broadband phased array RF links is a complex and highly precise endeavor. To achieve optimal performance, it is essential to compare and validate multiple schemes during the system design phase. Utilizing simulation models to simulate system structures and validate parameters can effectively reduce research and development time and costs. This article takes the broadband phased array RF system (RFS04) currently being developed by Nanhu Laboratory as a reference and constructs a behavioral-level signal simulation model. Through this model, the antenna pattern of RFS04 was generated, and the relationship between beam pointing accuracy and delay quantization bit number was analyzed. The 3 dB beam coverage range of the 18 GHz antenna array was calculated, and the synthesis scheme of multi-phased arrays was explored. Additionally, the correspondence between the angle measurement accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio of the RFS04 system was analyzed. This article also measured the delay module parameters of the RF system and developed a correction strategy for the delay control scheme. Through simulation calculations and laboratory testing, it has been proven that this strategy can effectively improve delay accuracy. After applying the modified delay control scheme to the RFS04 simulation model, the beam pointing accuracy during phased array antenna scanning was significantly enhanced. The model research and integrated simulation software construction of the broadband phased array RF system provide an efficient and accurate simulation tool for system design and optimization.