Phased array calibration

Since accurate pointing of a beam of a phased array antenna demands precise control of phase and amplitude, periodic calibration of the gain and phase of the electronics is essential. Calibration may be performed by pointing a beam of an array at a fixed location and transmitting or receiving signals that permit calibration of individual elements. To calibrate the entire array, the procedure must be repeated for each element, Note that pointing a beam at a fixed station assumes that dependence of calibration on direction is negligible. If parameters are sensitive to pointing direction, then an alternative such as multiple stations must be implemented