Characterization and Calibration Challenges of an K-Band Large-Scale Active Phased-Array Antenna with a Modular Architecture

In this paper, a comprehensive characterization and calibration of a K-band large scale active phased-array antenna (APAA) that consists of 1024 (32×32) radiating elements based on a modular architecture is presented. RF-channels are fully characterized inside the APAA environment using a planar near-field probe setup. A very accurate and efficient calibration technique is suggested and verified successfully over a wide range of scan angles (0 to 70 degree) and wide frequency band of 18-21 GHz.