Advanced Beam Estimation for Antennas Via Patterned Coupling-Line Detection Board in Ka-Band

In this research, we present an innovative method for estimating the beams of array antennas. Traditional beam analysis methods rely on placing receiving antennas in the far-field region, which requires moving or rotating the Tx or Rx, and using radiation pattern measurements. However, such methods often demand vast spatial requirements and the use of high-cost network analyzers. In contrast, the technique proposed in this study utilizes a board patterned with coupling lines strategically placed in the antenna's near-field zone. Signals intercepted by these coupling lines undergo conversion into DC voltage via a power detector situated at the line terminus. Interestingly, this method enables beam estimation solely based on the DC voltage level output of the power detector, thus offering a cost-effective and space-efficient solution that represents a significant advancement from traditional beam estimation methods.