Near field techniques for radar synthetic environment simulator

Abstract

Tests on phased array radar systems are typically performed in far field test ranges, which, in the case of large radar antennas, imply very large distances, an uncontrolled outdoor environment and limitations on the number of test probes to be deployed. This paper summarizes and compares the main techniques that can be used in an anechoic chamber in order to realize tests on a phased array radar. Numerical results will be shown for each technique, as well as measurements performed at SELEX-SI near field facility.