Simulation Based Uncertainty Analysis for Radiation Pattern Measurements Using an Active Radar Module

Antennas fully integrated in radar systems or even on the chip packages cannot be measured with a conventional antenna measurement system as there is no access to the antenna feed point. The two-way radiation pattern of a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system can be measured using the transmit and receive module of the radar itself while measuring against a reflector. Still, the measurement uncertainty differentiates from conventional antenna measurements, and detailed studies are missing. The uncertainty factors introduced by the mechanical system and the reflectors themselves like the size of the reflector and the mechanical misalignment of the reflector and antenna under test (AUT) are investigated within this study on the basis of simulations. As reference antenna the simulation model of a scalar feed horn antenna and a plate, a dihedral and a trihedral reflector are used. The results show an overall stable behavior and a low error for the evaluated mechanical misalignments.