In the recently released CST Studio Suite 2023, one can easily set up and correctly drive subarray simulations. This is particularly attractive for satellite communication, where phased arrays with circular-polarization are required. In the image below you will see a model that is beam-steered in the diagonal plane, without generating grating lobes or significant cross-pol. components. That is because of the particular element arrangement with fixed and dynamic phasing.

Technically the story starts even before this… It starts with the Array Task, which automates the modeling as well as the simulation setup for complex antenna arrays.

In the first place, an infinite array simulation is used to calculate the Active Element Pattern of the 2x2 subarray. This helps in quickly determining the beam-steering capabilities, by considering the strongly coupled environment:

Good agreement is found when these results are compared to the large but finite phased array:

This then provides some confidence to quickly move on to the feed network and radome designs, for the rapid development of an entire antenna product.

For more information, please refer to the following application note that outlines the workflow: Synthesis of Circular Polarized Arrays with Sequentially Rotated 2x2 Sub-Arrays (QA00000067407​​​​​​​)

CST Studio Suite Antennas ​​​​​​​Array Task ​​​​​​​SatCom ​​​​​​​