Research on a Fast Calibration Method for One-Dimension Phase-Scan Digital Array

In the phased array antenna calibration, the common plane near-field calibration method demands special test field and equipment, which is not high efficiency. While the ‘midfield method’ only needs to place the test antenna at a distance not far from the front of the array, and realizes fast and high-precision calibration by using the characteristic that the phased antenna units can be controlled independently. The ‘midfield method’ doesn’t need special field, so it obtains the widespread application. The application condition of this method is that the distance between the test antenna and the center of the plane does not meet the far-field condition, but the distance between the test antenna and the element in the array must meet the far-field condition. In some large two-dimension array, the azimuth plane is formed by passive row feeds and units, the elevation plane is phase-scanned , the distance of its far field will be a very long length. In this article, a fast calibration method for one-dimension phase-scan plane array is researched, the distribution of calibration errors is analyzed, and the method is verified by the pattern tested at the far-field range. This method further expands the application of “midfield method” in phased array antenna calibration.