Work

Scalable Multiport Antenna Array Characterization With PCB-Realized Tunable Load Network Providing Additional “Virtual” VNA Ports

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We prototype a PCB-realized tunable load network whose ports serve as additional “virtual” VNA ports in a “Virtual VNA” measurement setup. The latter enables the estimation of a many-port antenna array's scattering matrix with a few-port VNA, without any reconnections. We experimentally validate the approach for various eight-element antenna arrays in an anechoic chamber in the$700-900$MHz regime. We also improve the noise robustness of a step of the “Virtual VNA” post-processing algorithms by leveraging spectral correlations. Altogether, our PCB-realized VNA Extension Kit offers a scalable solution to characterize very large antenna arrays because of its low cost, small footprint, fully automated operation, and modular nature.

Source: IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters

DOI: 10.1109/lawp.2025.3579891

Authors: Jean Tapie, Philipp del Hougne

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut d'Électronique et des Technologies du numéRique, Université de Rennes

Language: English

Topic: Electromagnetic Compatibility and Measurements

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche