In-situ probes for antenna array calibration

A novel calibration network for patch antennas is proposed. We introduce magnetically coupled in-situ probes, which excite the fundamental patch mode. In that way, finite array effects and mutual coupling can be detected, providing the opportunity for online calibration. The specific advantages of the approach are demonstrated for linearly polarized patch antennas. Measurement results of a single patch with the integrated probes agree with simulation. A two by two antenna array with in-situ probes is simulated to demonstrate the calibration accuracy in theory.