Measurement of the phase and amplitude distributions of coupled oscillator arrays

This paper describes the analysis, design, implementation and characterization of a computer-controlled system that accurately measures the phase and amplitude distributions of a phased antenna array. The proposed setup allows ´on board´ measurements and far field radiation pattern collection at the same time. We have measured the phase and amplitude distributions of a coupled oscillator array at 2.4-2.6 GHz. The results are coherent with the theoretical expectations. The amplitude error is less than 5% and the phase error is less than 5/spl deg/. This simple and inexpensive measurement system can be used for automated diagnostics of linear and nonlinear antenna arrays.