Automatic diagnostic and localization of defective elements in phased array antennas

A novel method for the diagnosis and localization of defective elements of feed network branches in large phased array antennas has been proposed and experimentally validated. A passive microwave comparer circuit is introduced which can be permanently integrated, in large numbers, in the phased array and will then be able to perform the functions of fault diagnostic and defective element localization. To validate the feasibility of the proposed technique, the complex ratio of two independent signals exciting two loads with the aid of a comparer circuit was measured.<
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