A Simple Radiation Pattern Measurement for Large Array Antennas

Abstract

Antenna radiation pattern measurement has been a challenge to many researchers, especially when the size of the antenna is large due to the requirement of a large anechoic chamber. Furthermore, a quick measurement process is required when many radiation patterns need to be measured. In this paper, a measuring system to measure a large interleaved linear array antenna of a total length of 1.35 meters operating at C band frequency was constructed. The measuring system was constructed with an azimuth range capable of nearly ±180° and able to measure radiation patterns of an array with linear or circular polarization. Typical measurement speed to provide a sample of 1028 measurements points is 16 seconds, with 0.116° resolution for 120° azimuth range without a positioner component.