Phased array antenna diagnosis from amplitude-only data using parallel deep learning models

Abstract

There is a need for a reliable diagnostic process that can provide the information required to maintain optimal operating conditions of phased array antennas. The phase and amplitude information can be retrieved from the complex radiated field. However, phase measurement is laborious and costly at high frequencies. To overcome this challenge, it is of great relevance to create diagnostics methods that solely utilize the amplitude data. The shape and characteristics of the radiated field of a phased array antenna are predicated on the number of operating elements in the array. This implies that a failed element in the array will change the nature of the radiated pattern. We can locate a failed element using a learning algorithm to map the location of a failed element to the radiated field. We propose a technique for finding failed elements using only amplitude data by dividing the array into multiple subarrays. Each subarray is trained with dedicated deep convolutional neural networks for faulty element identification. We evaluated the proposed approach using simulated data for 20 × 20 and 30 × 30 array structures. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach can effectively diagnose and locate failed elements in a phased array antenna using amplitude-only data.

Systematic prognostics framework development approach for a radar receiver

“…Beyond focusing solely on individual components, recent research has also explored expanding the scope of PHM in radar systems, recognizing the interconnectedness of various elements and the potential benefits of a more holistic approach. Studies by Zhai and Fang 23 on transmitters, Wenjun et al 24 on T∕R modules, and Kulevome et al 25 on phased arrays highlight the growing interest in applying PHM to diverse critical components within radars. This broader focus ensures comprehensive monitoring of various aspects of the radar system, contributing to improved fault detection and early warning capabilities.…”

“…Studies by Zhai and Fang 23 on transmitters, Wenjun et al 24 . on T/R modules, and Kulevome et al 25 . on phased arrays highlight the growing interest in applying PHM to diverse critical components within radars.…”

A Hierarchical PHM Framework for Phased Array Radar Systems

“…The theoretical validity of the method is demonstrated by evaluating the fault characteristics of the T/R module. Other research studies have also proposed element failure diagnostics frameworks for APAR [28][29][30].…”