GEOMETRY AGNOSTIC MUTUAL COUPLING CALIBRATION FOR PHASED ARRAY RADAR SYSTEMS

Abstract

Phased array radar systems require precise calibration to ensure accurate beamsteering and signal processing, as any variations in the individual antenna elements can significantly compromise performance. Traditional calibration methods, often reliant on known geometries and specialized equipment, face limitations in real-world applications where data sets may be incomplete due to engineering constraints, such as amplifier saturation and varying element configurations. This thesis evaluates existing calibration algorithms, highlight- ing their dependency on geometric patterns and the complexities involved in handling missing data. To address these challenges, we propose a geometry-agnostic calibration methodology that utilizes mutual coupling measurements to achieve robust cal- ibration without reliance on specific geometrical configurations. By leveraging various computational techniques, our approach offers the flexibility needed for in-situ and initial calibration. This methodology not only generalizes previous calibration techniques but also enables applications in radar systems utilizing non-planar and independently deployed antennas. The findings suggest that the proposed method can significantly enhance calibration accuracy and oper- ational efficiency, opening new avenues for radar applications where traditional methods are impractical.