A new method to calculate phase center locations for arbitrary antenna systems and scenarios

Abstract

Accurately setting up antenna measurement procedures and maintaining good performance of radar navigation systems are two examples of tasks relying on precise knowledge of the phase center (PC) location. Currently this problem is discussed particularly in 3 m-electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) field emission measurement, when an exact distance between test antenna and the equipment under test (EUT) is needed. If, in an electromagnetic scenario, a point can be found behaving like an isotropic radiator emitting spherical waves, this point is called the PC. Since many methods to find the PC are prone to various limitations, this paper proposes an algorithm able to handle discretionary systems. Directions of multiple far field Poynting vectors are evaluated in order to backtrack the location from where electromagnetic energy seems to emanate. Simulations with the electromagnetics software FEKO generate input data for the evaluation process. Fast convergence and repeatable, reasonable results are achieved. As a small amount of data is sufficient to calculate reliable PC locations and this reduces the required measurement effort, practical applicability is ensured.