Array Antenna Diagnosis from Far Field Data Using the Theory of Characteristic Modes

In this paper, a novel utilization of the theory of characteristic mode (TCM) is presented. We reconstruct the current distribution on an array of λ/2 dipole antenna from the known far-field pattern by employing TCM. The main goal of this work is accurate faults detection and calibration of large phased array antennas with low computational cost by using their far-field data. The proposed technique is based on decomposing the total radiating field into the orthogonal characteristic far-fields that are Linearly related to characteristic currents of the array antenna. By applying this method, the total current distribution on the antenna can be retrieved with an acceptable accuracy.