Coupler integrated antenna array for self-calibration of phased array system

Abstract

This paper proposes a new concept of coupler integrated antenna system for self-calibration of phased array antenna. A coupler is placed adjacent to each antenna constituting the array antenna, so that a calibration path for self-calibration is formed. The added coupler provides a self-correction function without affecting the scattering coefficient and radiation characteristics of the existing antenna. The self-calibration method consists of the processes of gain calibration and phase calibration, and self-calibration was performed by applying the coupler integrated antenna structure proposed in the linear and planar phased array antennas, and experimentally verified. In addition, it was confirmed that the system performance can be detected in real time by utilizing the proposed antenna system for beamforming monitoring.