Numerical Computation and Characterisation of Vivaldi Phased Array Antenna Applied for C-Band Radar

Conventional radar systems rely on mechanical components to rotate the antenna and direct the signal to reach the targeted moving obj ects such as airplane and helicopter, thereby limiting the scanning speed of the intended monitoring area. These mechanical components are prone to wear and damage, resulting in more frequent maintenance and potential system failures. Current research activity focuses on the use of phased array antenna which employs electronic control for area scanning and enable beamforming without the need for rotational movement of the physical radar antenna part. The design of an antipodal Vivaldi phased array antenna was constructed through the optimized numerical computation to capable of operating within the C-band radar applications. In this study, a single high-gain antenna was preliminary designed to obtain the total array configuration gain 14.2 dBi. Through phase control, the antenna can manipulate its radiation pattern up to 60°. Simulation results indicate a maximum return loss of -32.5 dB and a maximum bandwidth of 3,400 MHz (4.6 GHz - 8 GHz). Vivaldi phased array antenna is suitable for radar applications in the specified frequency range, providing efficient performance in terms of return loss, bandwidth, and beam steering capability. The designed phased array antenna can be utilized in ultra wide band (UWB) radar systems.