Analysis of Compensation Methods and the Capability Boundary for Element Position Errors in Electrically Scanned Arrays

Paper in proceeding, 2020

Mechanical translational tolerances have negative effects on the radiation patterns in sensor and antenna arrays. Methods for restoring the radiation pattern of an array with element position errors to the designed one without the position errors have been investigated and the limits of their capabilities in different scenarios of real array configurations explored. A proof of concept has been established by manufacturing an intentionally erroneous antenna array and applying investigated compensation methods. Conclusion is that the possibilities of compensating for mechanical errors are greatly enhanced with increased digitalisation of the array antenna system. Analog systems may achieve a full compensation in a smaller solid angle, while digital systems can achieve a full compensation covering almost the half space.