Virtual Antenna Array Theory and Applications

A V Ashikhmin

doi:10.11648/j.ajea.20150301.11

Abstract

In this article we would like to present a physical basis of virtual antenna array method which is based on electrodynamic principle of field source equivalence. Also, here are formulae and numerical relations for field description errors for the field at the edges of physical and virtual antenna arrays It is also demonstrated that the virtual antenna array method helps increase radio emitters angular coordinates accuracy even without data about antenna array carrier body geometry and material properties. Potential use of this method is also provided.

Highlights

Last years, different methods of virtual antenna array formation are coming into use or being developed
We have found an effective way to form virtual antenna arrays – to use an analytical continuation of the field measured with antenna system by means of complex variable analytical functions z = x + iy, namely by means of Cauchy integral or Laurent series
Ez - the field components in the above point (the solid lines mean dependencies developed in a rigorous solution of the relevant electrodynamic problem by means Weiland finite integration technique: the maximum space network interval was selected as the lowest of the two following values: λmin /15 and Lmin / 20; the dashed lines mean relevant extrapolated phase values defined by means of the virtual antenna array technique)

Summary

Introduction

Different methods of virtual antenna array formation are coming into use or being developed. In publication [3] it was proposed to make interpolation between real and virtual arrays as a minimization problem with multiple constraints as inequations This approach is based on minimization of sector interpolation error when there are a number of spatial filters in the other part of the space. In publication [4] there is one more interpolation procedure proposed: it is based on formation of a VAR (virtual antenna array) as a displaced copy of an actual AR (antenna array). In this case there is no need to select the number of VAR elements, distance between the elements and array orientation. The actual objective is to develop virtual antenna array formation techniques which require no calibration and specific knowledges in geometry and properties of dissipating objects like carrier’s body, support mast, etc

Problem Statement

Theory

Nature Experiments

Conclusion