An Improved Complex Signal Based Calibration Method for Beam-Steering Phased Array

Phased array calibration is essential to ensureaccurate array radiation performance. This letter proposes an improved calibration method based on complex signals in an anechoic chamber for phased arrays that can only operate in its default beam-steering mode with limited beam-steering angular ranges. The basic principle is to convert the array factors associated with the multiprobe locations into the beam-steering factors of the array, which can virtually widen the beam-steering angular range. The broadened angular range can lower the condition number of the phase setting matrix and therefore improve the calibration accuracy. Both theoretical derivations and measurement validation are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and enhancement of the proposed method.