Aegis Near-Field Antenna Test System, Automated Test System for Phased Array Antennas
Abstract
RCA has recently developed two major elements of an automated testing system for phase array antennas. The testing system applies the near-field technique for production acceptance test of the AEGIS AN/SPY-1A Phased Array Antenna. The two elements developed are (1) the programmed scanner and (2) the computer programs for real-time control, beamformer alignment, calibration, data reduction, and test results display. The programmed scanner scans the rf probe over an area 600 centimeters wide and 550 centimeters high in a raster fashion. Typical probe scanning velocities are: 15 centimeters per second moving vertically upward during data collection, and 10 centimeters per second moving horizontally (either step or continuous). Probe position accuracies achieved are 0.016 centimeters RMS (X) 0.019 centimeters RMS (Y), and 0.011 centimeters RMS (Z), where (X,Y) is the plane of probe motion and (Z) is normal to that plane. Features of the computer program are program-directed calibration routines interacting with the test conductor, test conductor selected test scenarios that beamformer waveguide length corrections for antenna phase alignment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA091697
Entities
People
- James C. Kulp
- Levi L. Coulter Jr.
- Robert L. Mather
- Wayne A. Harmening