Simple calibration technique for phased array radar systems

Abstract

This paper presents a novel effective calibration technique applicable to phased array radars. The real embedded patterns of the array elements are measured independently in operating mode, taking antenna coupling and other parasitic effects into account. The proposed calibration technique requires minimal modification of the radar hardware. A set of angular-dependent error coefficients, which are compensated during the calibration process, are extracted for one received pulse for one/each angular direction of interest. The performance and effectiveness of the here-proposed calibration technique are assessed by means of modeling and experimental verification.