Abstract
A cost-effective solution for in situ antenna characterization and diagnostics based on Radio Frequency IDentification technology and Remotely Piloted Aircrafts is presented. The cost-effectiveness of the proposed solution is achieved by replacing the radio frequency equipment on-board the small aircrafts with Radio Frequency IDentification tags, while the Antenna Under Test is connected to a Radio Frequency IDentification reader, thus reducing the weight and complexity of the payload of the aircrafts dedicated to antenna measurement task. Received Signal Strength measurements are geo-referred with centimeter-level accuracy thanks to a Real Time Kinematic system. An iterative phase retrieval technique based on the Sources Reconstruction Method is used to recover an equivalent magnetic currents distribution on the Antenna Under Test aperture plane. The reconstructed currents distribution provides antenna diagnostics information and enables the calculation of the antenna radiation pattern. The presented method has been validated by means of measurements in the UHF band for two different antenna arrays with excellent results.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
