There are two paths for defining a Phased Array Radar (PAR) in STK. Your choice depends on whether or not you're interested in RF analysis.
Phased Array Radar involves electronically steering the signal from a flat-faced transponder that transmits an array of beamlets. The design is complex and involves constructive and destructive interference patterns of the beamlets.
The STK software suite is a system-level engineering tool and provides these options for configuring a Phased Array Radar:
- If you are not interested in RF analysis, use a pencil beam (0.1 degree) tracking sensor, defined by the net amount of power. The tracking sensor acts as its gimbal. This is useful when the PAR is always tracking its target and the net power is known. Another option is to use a large sensor representing the Field of Regard, and have a sweeping/scanning pencil beam sensor bounded by it, as seen in some Missile Defense scenarios.
- If you are interested in RF analysis, use the Phased Array antenna functionality. See Phased Array Antenna in the STK help.
Generally, STK treats Radar and Communications components similarly, though there are some differences. The main difference is that the link budget equation for Communications is based on the transmit range, whereas the radar range equation uses a 'there and back' methodology.
