Phased Array Antenna Calibration and Pattern Prediction Using Mutual Coupling Measurements.

摘要

Large phased array antennas are commonly tested using far-field or near-field sources. While these source arrangements are well suited to ground testing, they may be difficult to implement in airborne or spaceborne applications. A technique which uses the inherent mutual coupling in an array to both calibrate and predict the radiation patterns of a phased array antenna is investigated. The only restriction of the technique is that the ability to transmit and receive with pairs of the array elements is required. The theory associated with array mutual coupling and its relationship to both array calibration and array patterns is discussed. The design of a test bed phased array antenna is covered. The mutual coupling technique (MCT) is used experimentally to calibrate the test array as well as to predict the array radiation patterns. It is shown that the results obtained by MCT are in good agreement with conventional far-field measurements. Keywords: Antenna radiation patterns; Phased array antennas; Mutual coupling measurements; Test beds. Reprints. (edc)