ArrayEd: A simple beam-visualization system for understanding phased array [Education Corner]

Abstract

In graduate-level antenna courses, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of phased arrays is crucial. To facilitate this, we have developed ArrayEd, a system aimed at offering hands-on experience in constructing a beam-steering phased array, particularly tailored for students new to antenna design. ArrayEd incorporates pre-designed and modularized components crafted by the teaching team, allowing students to concentrate on designing the antenna elements and array configuration during implementation. By the end of the semester, over two-thirds of a class comprising 36 students successfully constructed operational phased arrays. Moreover, we introduced a whack-a-mole game utilizing ArrayEd, enabling students to assess and observe the performance of their phased arrays in transmission mode. The blinking LEDs on ArrayEd’s receivers serve to visualize essential radiation characteristics, such as main-beam direction, maximum gain, beamwidth, and sidelobe levels. Following the design, implementation, and examination of self-devised phased arrays with ArrayEd’s assistance, more than 85% of participants reported an enhanced comprehension of phased arrays, and all recommended the integration of ArrayEd into future antenna courses. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, ArrayEd is the first phased array designed for educational purposes that is realized with open-source components and validated in a real teaching scenario.