A practical approach to wideband antenna array characterization

A high power HF phased antenna array capable of very wideband frequency and scan coverage is being constructed as part of the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP), in Galkona, AK. This paper presents measurement and analytic array characterization approach for the purpose of antenna evaluation and antenna matching unit (AMU) design. It is based on the use of scattering parameters measurement of the array and has resulted in a 30% improvement in the low frequency range of the HAARP system. The effectiveness of the design is further evaluated by calculating the average efficiency of the array system, which is within 1.5 dB of its theoretical maximum.