A Cost-Effective Set-up for Time Modulated Array Measurement Using Software Defined Radio

In this paper a new measurement technique suitable for Time Modulated Array antennas is proposed, which utilizes a low-cost, small form factor, versatile Software Defined Radio (SDR). Performance of the SDR is compared to a spectrum analyzer and the difference is extracted for further calibration. Radiation pattern of a TMA with a defined switching sequence is measured by the SDR, and compared to the simulated array factor. The measured and simulation results are in good agreement, which confirms the accuracy and reliability of the proposed measurement technique.