Modeling Phased Array Active Loading and its Effects on Antenna EIRP, Beam Orientation and Sidelobe Level Variations

This paper introduces a novel approach to enhancing mm-wave phased array design realism. We integrate active impedance modeling and power amplifier load pull analysis, leveraging phased array antenna patterns and coupling matrices. The primary goal is to optimize effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), which is crucial for communication system link budgets. Our focus extends to load pull effects on the Transmit (Tx) power amplifier (PA) impact on beam orientation and sidelobe level variations. We emphasize the importance of antenna active loading by analyzing phased array panels designed for 5G applications. This research bridges the simulation-to-real-world performance gap, offering insights for advanced mm-wave phased array development.