Drone based calibration/field BITE
techniques for phased arrays
- Description of the technology(ies) involved:
UAVs have recently been used for HF measurements such as mobile network testing, measurements of the far and near fields of antennas, direction finding, and RF imaging. The main advantage of UAVs is their capability to perform measurements in the actual environment where antennas are going to operate, thus providing insight that cannot be obtained from lab measurements, which are typically focused on ideal, free-space scenarios. Their other advantages include access to appropriate measurement locations, high-resolution of the measured position, the use of simple hardware, reduced ground-reflection effects, and the potential to extract additional parameters.
UAVs are used to measure the radiation pattern of antennas under real operating conditions, where the influence of environments, such as distortion due to a multipath or coupling to neighboring objects, can be considered. The measured radiation pattern can be utilized to detect faulty elements in an array or correct the tilt angle of an antenna and find null fills. Additionally, the measured data can be used in simulations or network planning to improve the performance of communication links. UAV-based measurement techniques have many advantages over airborne measurements with a helicopter and land-based measurements.
LRDE has experience in open test ranges and near field measurement facilities. It is planned to establish the Drone based calibration /field BITE techniques for phased array antennas/ receive only Array Antenna in the country.
Challenges foreseen for Drone based calibration/field BITE techniques for phased arrays
- Techniques to ensure required drone/platform stability and Accuracy for phased array characterization
- Development of compact RF setup for drone integration
Collaboration sought for Drone based calibration/field BITE techniques for phased arrays
- Expertise in the RF-payload integration on drones related to phased array characterization.
- Techniques to ensure required drone/platform stability and Accuracy for phased array characterization
- Development of compact RF setup for drone integration