Evaluation of the Directional Characteristics of Antenna Arrays Using a Near-Field Scanner

The article presents the results of antenna directivity characteristics measurement using a near-field scanner. A comparison is made between the radiation patterns of the manufactured antenna array obtained using the scanner and the classical method using a turntable in an anechoic chamber. A brief description of the scanner developed by the authors, the algorithms and methods used in the process of converting the measured near field of the antenna into a directional pattern are provided. The scanner’s advantages include the ability to assess defective array elements; significantly reduce the size requirements for the measurement room; the ability to obtain a three-dimensional radiation pattern in the forward hemisphere; and the ability to perform primary calibration of the antenna system.