A Framework for Array Shape Reconstruction Through Mutual Coupling

Flexible phased arrays potentially enable diverse applications not permitted by rigid systems; however, they introduce ambiguity in antenna element positions. If this position ambiguity can be overcome, flexible arrays can perform the full suite of array functions: beam steering, wavefront engineeri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on microwave theory and techniques 2021-10, Vol.69 (10), p.4422-4436
Main Authors: Fikes, Austin, Mizrahi, Oren S., Hajimiri, Ali
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Ambiguity
Antenna arrays
Antenna measurements
Arrays
Beam steering
Beamforming
Conformal antennas
convex optimization
Couplings
Dipoles
Euclidean distance matrix (EDM)
flexible electronics
Integrated circuits
Mutual coupling
Patch antennas
Phase measurement
phased array
Phased arrays
Position errors
Reconstruction
semidefinite programming
Sensor arrays
Shape
shape calibration
shape reconstruction
Wave fronts
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Summary:Flexible phased arrays potentially enable diverse applications not permitted by rigid systems; however, they introduce ambiguity in antenna element positions. If this position ambiguity can be overcome, flexible arrays can perform the full suite of array functions: beam steering, wavefront engineering, and beam focusing. Furthermore, shape reconstructions of arrays can be used for applications beyond beamforming. We propose a framework to reconstruct the shape of a flexible array that only uses mutual coupling measurements and does not require additional sensors or functionalities in the system. We discuss the approach, a two-step algorithm, which is highly modular and can be implemented in a variety of phased array systems. To demonstrate the accuracy of the approach, we present results from two passive 2.5-GHz phased array setups using dipole and patch antennas, as well as a 10-GHz (active) integrated circuit flexible phased array, and demonstrate the accuracy of the approach in this system. In all cases, the algorithm reconstructs the antenna shape accurately, with average position errors of approximately 6% of the wavelength. This article can serve as the beginning of the broad study of shape reconstruction algorithms and their applications.
ISSN:0018-9480
1557-9670
DOI:10.1109/TMTT.2021.3097729