ANTENNA CALIBRATION

• US 20100253570A1
• Filed: 08/08/2008
• Published: 10/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: BAE Systems Plc
• Original Assignee: BAE Systems Plc
• Inventors: Scott, Michael Andrew
• Granted Patent: US 8,004,457 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 342/173
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/267 Phased-array testing or checking devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to antenna calibration for active phased array antennas. Specifically, the present invention relates to a built in apparatus for autonomous antenna calibration

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of continuous on-line monitoring of each element in an array antenna comprising the steps of: (i) transmitting known test signals to one or more elements of the array antenna; (ii) monitoring responses of the elements to the test signals; and (iii)comparing the response with expected responses for the elements to determine an operation condition of the elements.

Claims

1. A method of continuous on-line monitoring of each element in an array antenna comprising the steps of:

(i) transmitting known test signals to one or more elements of the array antenna;

(ii) monitoring responses of the elements to the test signals; and

(iii) comparing the response with expected responses for the elements to determine an operation condition of the elements.

2. A method of continuous on-line monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the test signals are transmitted to one or more elements of the array antenna using one or more calibration antennas mounted around the face of the array antenna.

3. A method of continuous on-line monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the test signals are transmitted to one or more elements of the array antenna using one or more calibration antennas mounted around the face of the array antenna such that the elements are illuminated at high angles of incidence.

4. A method of continuous on-line monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the test signals are interspersed during normal operation of the array antenna.

6. A method of continuous on-line monitoring according to claim 2, wherein the test signals are interspersed during normal operation of the array antenna.

7. A method of continuous on-line monitoring according to claim 3, wherein the test signals are interspersed during normal operation of the array antenna.

5. (canceled)