Determining Antenna Performance via Comparative Methods

Abstract

Recent advanced digital phased array antennas use sophisticated signal processing techniques that deviate from classical spatial beamforming. Currently, a method does not exist to obtain direct far-field G/T measurements of active large aperture phased array antennas lacking the ability to spatially beam point. Due to this constraint, solar calibrations cannot be performed to achieve a value for G/T. Also, availability of anechoic chambers of adequate size for far-field measurements of large apertures are scarce, forcing an outdoor range configuration as a requirement for testing. Therefore, a comparative method using transmitted power differences with respect to bit error rate (BER) has been developed. Using the known G/T of a reference antenna will allow the determination of G/T for a large aperture active antenna without the need for a well characterized signal source. This paper will outline the methodology used to establish G/T of an active array antenna using measurement and analysis.