Evaluation of array antenna systems for GNSS applications using wave-field synthesis in an OTA laboratory

Antenna characterization is usually performed by antenna pattern measurements in an anechoic chamber. Subsequently, a conducted test, the Radiated Two-Stage (RTS) or the Wireless-Cable method can be used for an overall system test considering the measured patterns. In this paper we present a method to perform device tests for antenna arrays / smart antennas without the need of radiation pattern measurements, and we validate it experimentally. By using Over-The-Air tests in a Virtual Electromagnetic Environment and Wave-Field Synthesis, the propagation environment can be realistically recreated in the region around a Device-Under-Test. This allows for reproducible performance comparisons of different antennas or systems under identical propagation environment conditions. As a special application, we consider the Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) in a Global Navigation Satellite Systems environment in the presence of interferer signals.