Antenna Array Diagnosis in the Presence of Unknown Mutual Coupling using Optimization Technique

Abstract

Antenna array diagnosis is an important operation in communication systems, whenever element (s) failure in the array that worsening the projected radiation pattern occur. There are various diagnostic techniques found in literature that employ compressive sensing. Conversely, the techniques are based on easy formulation of array factor with no incorporation of mutual coupling existing between the radiators. This article shows how this deficiency lead to defective and bad diagnosis when there is presence of mutual coupling using port-level coupling matrix and average embedded antenna pattern. Furthermore, the element excitations are optimized to reduce the effect of mutual coherence of system measurement matrix, causing reduced measurements required for effective fault detection. Numerical simulation and experimental results demonstrate how the incorporation of mutual coupling generates an adequate and reliable array diagnosis, which are not found in literature. For instance, when fault number is set at 5, and SNR equals 10 dB, the smallest measurements needed for the diagnosis, which is the most effective diagnosis, are achieved when the optimized excitations are used. In conclusion, the implementation of the developed framework using measurement probe in space, shows enough results towards the practical deployment for antenna systems in wireless communication system.