A phased array simulation tool for synthesized array factors having multiple beams and/or multiple nulls

This article presents a phased array simulation tool (PAASoM) developed to synthesize radiation patterns of arrays of any geometry having multiple beams and/or nulls considering the characteristics of the phased array components, such as the antenna elements, the phase shifters and the amplifier or attenuators. Through a graphic user interface or a text input file, the user describes the problem under study, the array features and the results of interest. PAASoM allows qualitative and quantitative studies, and uses an unconventional but highly descriptive graphic visualization to present the overall radiation characteristics over a frequency or scanning range of interest.