Frequency Diverse Array Spatial Data Focusing: Free Space and Multipath Experimental Validation

This paper presents the first-ever experimental validation of both spatial data focusing (SDF) and time-invariant frequency diverse array (FDA) range-angle-based focusing, in both free space and multipath environments. In particular, a hybrid FDA-based SDF (FDA-SDF) approach is considered for spatially confined broadcasting, i.e. geocasting. First, the base FDA-SDF free space system model is reviewed. Next, a novel OFDM-based FDA-SDF system model is introduced to ensure robust operation in multipath channels. The schemes are validated, respectively, in an anechoic chamber and outdoor measurement setup using software defined radios. Results confirm FDA-SDF's anticipated supreme spatial precision: a 0.9 m × 4.0° range-azimuth geocast delivery zone is generated by a 4-antenna array in free space. Additionally, they illustrate that OFDM-based FDA-SDF provides all necessary performance improvements for practical operation in outdoor multipath environments. Most notably, FDA-SDF is shown to overcome the time-variance flaw of conventional FDA.