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Polarization ratio determination with two identical linearly polarized antennas

Published in:
2017 IEEE AP-S Symp. on Antennas and Propagation and USNC Radio Science Meeting, 9-14 July 2017.

Summary

This paper describes a method for determining the complex polarization ratio using two identical, linearly polarized antennas. By Fourier transform analysis of s21 measurements with one of the antennas rotating about its axis a circular polarization ratio is derived which can be transformed into an equivalent linear polarization ratio. A linearly polarized reference antenna is not required. The technique was verified by electromagnetic simulations and illustrated by measurements in an anechoic chamber with two 3.3 GHz square patch antennas.
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Summary

This paper describes a method for determining the complex polarization ratio using two identical, linearly polarized antennas. By Fourier transform analysis of s21 measurements with one of the antennas rotating about its axis a circular polarization ratio is derived which can be transformed into an equivalent linear polarization ratio. A...

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3D printed conformal array antenna: simulations and measurements

Summary

A conformal array antenna has been investigated using a combination of 3D printer and copper plating techniques. Circular patch antenna elements were copper plated onto a 3D printed dielectric substrate made of ABS-M30 material. Measured and simulated element reflection coefficient, element gain patterns, and array scanned beam radiation patterns at L band are in good agreement.
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Summary

A conformal array antenna has been investigated using a combination of 3D printer and copper plating techniques. Circular patch antenna elements were copper plated onto a 3D printed dielectric substrate made of ABS-M30 material. Measured and simulated element reflection coefficient, element gain patterns, and array scanned beam radiation patterns at...

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Maximum directivity of a series-fed microstrip array antenna for wireless application

Published in:
AP-S/URSI 2011, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Int. Symp. and USNC/URSI National Radio Science Mtg., 3-8 July 2011, pp. 1327-1330.

Summary

An omnidirectional colinear microstrip array antenna is modeled as a ladder network. A formula is derived for the maximum directivity of a series-fed colinear antenna with an infinite number of ladder sections. It is shown that the maximum directivity is asymptotically limited and depends upon the product of the seriece impedance and shunt admittance of the equivalent ladder network. The result is verified by simulation and experiment.
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Summary

An omnidirectional colinear microstrip array antenna is modeled as a ladder network. A formula is derived for the maximum directivity of a series-fed colinear antenna with an infinite number of ladder sections. It is shown that the maximum directivity is asymptotically limited and depends upon the product of the seriece...

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Results of X-band electronically scanned array using an overlapped subarray architecture

Published in:
2010 IEEE Int. Symp. on Phased Array Systems, 12 October 2010, pp. 713-718.

Summary

The measured results from an X-band electronically scanned array using an overlapped subarray architecture are presented. The 2D architecture uses a 12 x 12 element subarray with 3 to 1 overlapping. The active electronic scanned array is a receive only implementation consisting of switch, low noise amplifier, phase shifter and attenuator. Measured far-field patterns and excitation at the aperture using near-field scanner demonstrates desired design goals of a 20 degree sector beam with low sidelobes. Finally, the scan performance of the sector subarray beam is measured at 20 and 40 degrees. A three tile implementation is constructed and measured.
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Summary

The measured results from an X-band electronically scanned array using an overlapped subarray architecture are presented. The 2D architecture uses a 12 x 12 element subarray with 3 to 1 overlapping. The active electronic scanned array is a receive only implementation consisting of switch, low noise amplifier, phase shifter and...

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Phased array calibrations using measured element patterns

Published in:
1995 IEEE Int. Symp. Digest, Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 2, 18-23 June 1995, pp. 918-921.

Summary

A technique to compensate for differences in phased array element patterns is presented. Each measured element pattern is approximated by a virtual array whose excitation function is determined by the Woodward-Lawson synthesis technique. By extending the virtual array beyond the physical array dimensions, mutual coupling and edge diffraction effects can be separated. An example is given where calibration by coupling matrix inversion resulted in significantly reduced array pattern sidelobes.
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Summary

A technique to compensate for differences in phased array element patterns is presented. Each measured element pattern is approximated by a virtual array whose excitation function is determined by the Woodward-Lawson synthesis technique. By extending the virtual array beyond the physical array dimensions, mutual coupling and edge diffraction effects can...

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Phased-array calibration by adaptive nulling

Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report TR-915

Summary

The limitations to ultra-low sidelobe performance are explored using a 32-element linear array, operating at L-band, contianing transmit/receive (T/R) modules with 12-bit phase shifters. With conventional far-field calibrations, the average sidelobe level of the array was about-40dB. In theory, considerably lower sidelobe performance is expected from such an array. Initially, sidelobe performance was thought to be limited by inadequate calibrations. An examination of individual array element patterns showed a mirror-symmetric ripple which could be attributed to edge effects in a small array. Simulations indicated that more precise calibrations would not compensate for these element-pattern differences. An adaptive calibration technique was developed which iteratively adjusted the attenuator and phaser commands to create nulls in the antenna pattern in the direction of the nulls of a theoretical antenna pattern. With adaptive calibrations, the average sidelobe level can be lower to 60dB. The technique can be used for interference suppression by implementing antenna patterns with deep nulls in specified directions.
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Summary

The limitations to ultra-low sidelobe performance are explored using a 32-element linear array, operating at L-band, contianing transmit/receive (T/R) modules with 12-bit phase shifters. With conventional far-field calibrations, the average sidelobe level of the array was about-40dB. In theory, considerably lower sidelobe performance is expected from such an array. Initially...

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Low-sidelobe phased array antenna characteristics using the planar near-field scanning technique: theory and experiment

Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report TR-870

Summary

Characteristics of a low-sidelobe phased array antenna are investigated using the technique of planar near-field scanning. The theory associated with the planar near-field scanning technique, with and without probe compensation, is reviewed and an application of the theory is made. The design of an experimental low-sidelobe phased array antenna consisting of monopole elements which are corporate-fed using high precision transmit/receive modules is described. Accurate array radiation patterns are obtained both theoretically and experimentally using centerline scanning at less than one wavelength distance from the antenna. The effects of the antenna probe on the array near-field pattern, plane-wave spectrum, and far-field pattern are demonstrated theoretically using a method of moments numerical simulation. Comparisons of the array theoretical near-zone electric field and array received voltage due to a V-dipole near-field transmitting probe are made. It is shown that a V-dipole theoretical probe antenna can accurately model a practical near-field measurement probe consisting of an open-ended rectangular waveguide surrounded with anechoic material.
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Summary

Characteristics of a low-sidelobe phased array antenna are investigated using the technique of planar near-field scanning. The theory associated with the planar near-field scanning technique, with and without probe compensation, is reviewed and an application of the theory is made. The design of an experimental low-sidelobe phased array antenna consisting...

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Modes of crossed rectangular waveguide

Published in:
IEEE Trans. on Antennas Propag., Vol. 24, No. 2, March 1976, pp. 220-223.

Summary

The cutoff frequencies and model fields of dually polarized crossed rectangular waveguide are calculated numerically and the cutoff frequencies verified experimentally. Symmetry arguments and group theory are used to explain mode degeneracies and mode splitting. The single mode bandwidth is 38 percent of center frequency for both polarization when the guide dimensions are chosen appropriately. For applications where symmetric excitation is assured, bandwidths in excess of 2:1 can be obtained.
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Summary

The cutoff frequencies and model fields of dually polarized crossed rectangular waveguide are calculated numerically and the cutoff frequencies verified experimentally. Symmetry arguments and group theory are used to explain mode degeneracies and mode splitting. The single mode bandwidth is 38 percent of center frequency for both polarization when the...

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Frequency scan antenna design for RPV radar sensors

Summary

A small program to explore the feasibility of a frequency-scanned antenna as a low-cost, light-weight answer to the requirements of the mini- RPV radar system for the HCWLS program resulted in construction and study of a slotted-waveguide laboratory embodiment of the device. A general formulation of the relationships connecting design parameters was carried out and employed for guidance in selection of waveguide size, band center, and slot spacing. A 301 band from 14.8 to 20.3 GHz in empty WR-42 waveguide was selected. The beamwidth, sidelobe level, gain, attenuation, and efficiency were studied, including the effectiveness of tapered illumination and the occurrence of spurious cross-polarized radiation, as functions of the frequency-controlled scan direction. Some thought was given to alternatives such as aperiodic-array and subarray techniques as means of reducing the tunable bandwidth requirement, as well as stripline serpentine-waveguide designs, for possible future investigation. The work reported herein has shown that the frequency-scanned antenna will provide a low-cost implementation practical for some system applications. If the limitation, primarily in instantaneous signal bandwidth are acceptable in the applications pursued, further investigation of alternate designs is recommended.
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Summary

A small program to explore the feasibility of a frequency-scanned antenna as a low-cost, light-weight answer to the requirements of the mini- RPV radar system for the HCWLS program resulted in construction and study of a slotted-waveguide laboratory embodiment of the device. A general formulation of the relationships connecting design...

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