Systems and methods for phased array passband calibration

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for phased array passband calibration, which permits repeated calibration of the antenna system in the field without a moving far field sensor. An example includes anequalization filter coupled to a phased array feed; a calibration probe disposed to couple with an antenna array to transfer radio frequency (RF) energy; a database of probe-to-far-field (FF) transforms having a probe-to-FF transform for each of a plurality of incidence angles; a calibration component operable to: receive calibration probe measurements for a plurality of frequencies; and determinea calculated phased array passband response for at least a first incidence angle, based at least on the calibration probe measurements and a probe-to-FF transform for the first incidence angle; and afilter generation component operable to generate a tuning configuration for the equalization filter, based at least on the calculated phased array passband response.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to phased array passband calibration, and more particularly, to antenna systems that allow repeated calibration without moving far-field sensors.

[0002] Background of the invention

[0003] Radio frequency (RF) communications and radar systems are generally susceptible to at least some level of frequency-dependent distortion that degrades the waveform, motivating the use of calibration procedures that characterize and compensate for the effects of such distortion. In general, it is preferable to limit the distortion to within the operating frequency band of the system, which increases both hardware cost and the potential need for ongoing characterization cycles when aging effects induce distortion. A common calibration method involves characterizing the passband response of the hardware and then generating an equalization filter with a passband response that is the inverse of the hardware's passband response.

[0004] W...

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