Patent ID: 7119739

Claim:
A method for improving directional measurements made using a direction finding antenna array and receiver where weighting factors are first calculated for a compact antenna range, then a full scale or scaled model of the antenna array is placed on a test table of the compact antenna range and receives radio frequency test signals transmitted by a test probe antenna of the antenna range to develop a calibration table that is later used with the full scale direction finding antenna array in actual use to make more accurate direction finding measurements, said method comprising the steps of: calculating weighting factors defining in phase, constant amplitude, planar wave fronts impinging on the test table at a plurality of specific angles of incidence; performing the weighting factor calculations for each specific angle of incidence by taking into consideration a plurality of different angles of incidence surrounding each specific angle of incidence to emulate an in phase, constant amplitude planar wave front that is optimized over the area of the test table for each specific angle of incidence; and transforming the test signals received by the direction finding antenna array on the test table using the weighting factors and storing the transformed signals in the calibration table to be used in actual use to make more accurate direction finding measurements.