Compact Indoor Setup for Radar Dual-Antenna Characterization Using a Symmetric Lens-Based Spherical-to-Plane Wave Transformer
Journal
IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation
Journal Volume
74
Journal Issue
6
Start Page
5942
End Page
5947
ISSN
0018-926X
1558-2221
Date Issued
2026-06
Author(s)
Hsu, Nai-Yuan
Abstract
A compact antenna test range (CATR) is proposed for high-fidelity radar antenna characterization, employing a symmetric lens-based wavefront transformer. Unlike conventional metal-reflector CATRs that suffer from direct coupling and near-field interference, the proposed design separates the antennas and target on opposite sides of a gradient-index (GRIN) lens. This spatial symmetry minimizes electromagnetic (EM) scattering, suppresses TX/RX coupling, and improves the accuracy of radiation and sensitivity analysis. The system replicates far-field conditions by preserving spherical wavefronts from the TX antenna and scattered fields from the target while producing planar illumination toward both the target and RX antenna. This dual transformation ensures high-frequency-response fidelity. The concept is validated using full-wave FEKO simulations and benchmarked against reflector-based CATRs, demonstrating enhanced TX/RX characterization accuracy and reduced interference artifacts.
Subjects
Compact antenna test range (CATR)
electromagnetic (EM) scattering
gradient-index (GRIN) lens
radar cross section (RCS)
radar target detection
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Type
journal article