METHOD FOR MEASURING THE RADIATIONAL PATTERNS OF A PHASED ANTENNA ARRAY IN THE FRESNEL ZONE USING AN UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM Russian patent published in 2023 - IPC G01R29/10 

FIELD: measuring technology.

SUBSTANCE: invention can be used to measure radiation patterns (RP) of phased antenna arrays (PAA) using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) containing a radio unit, a GLONASS receiver and an onboard antenna oriented towards the centre of the PAA. The PAA is focused to a given distance in the Fresnel zone, and the UAS either circles the PAA over a spherical surface, maintaining the same distance between the PAA and the onboard antenna (var. 1), or hangs at the focus point (var. 2). In the second case, the PAA are sequentially refocused in the direction while maintaining the focusing distance so that the onboard antenna is at the control points of the RP, and measurements of the dynamic radiation pattern (DRP) are made. In the case of studying the RP of the PAA, the field power measurements are made directly on board the UAS using a spectrum analyser as part of the radio engineering unit. In case of measuring the RP of the receiving PAA, the signal amplitude is recorded by means of a receiving measuring device connected to the tested PAA, or by the PAA's internal measuring instruments. To improve the accuracy of measurements in the process of post-processing and building RPs, corrections are made to the result based on the data on the position of the UAS relative to the tested PAA at the time of measurements. The determination of the global coordinates of the UAS is carried out by means of the onboard receiver of GLONASS signals. The required measurement accuracy is achieved by correcting global coordinate measurement errors by taking into account the differential corrections received from the control and correction station (CCS) and keeping the orientation of the onboard antenna to the PAA centre using a gyro-stabilized suspension. Synchronization of measurement data of the signal amplitude, UAS coordinates and PAA refocusing direction is carried out in the process of post-processing using time stamps received from the GLONASS receiver on board the UAS and from the CCS on the ground.

EFFECT: reduction of the required lifting height of the UAS and reduction of the measurement time. Increase of the accuracy of measurements of RP of PAA.

3 cl, 4 dwg