Abstract: A near field planar wavefront generation method that uses a relatively small number (three to five) of transmitting antennas disposed a predetermined distance from an antenna array having a multi-wavelength aperture that is part of a system under test. The method creates a synthesized one-dimensional linear planar wavefront of radiation over at least ten wavelengths for testing the antenna array of the system under test. The planar wavefront is formed at a specific frequency and at predetermined distance from the transmitting antennas, typically in the range of from 100 to 200 feet. The transmitting antennas synthesize a plane wave with linear phase progression to simulate tilt variations. To achieve this, electromagnetic energy signals emitted by the respective transmitting antennas are amplitude and phase weighted to synthesize the one dimensional linear plane wave to produce a combined wavefront having a linear phase front across the aperture of the antenna array of the system under test.

Abstract: An array system with radiating elements and a wideband monopulse power divider network with dual channel input ports and multiple output ports. Each input channel of the network excites a uniquely different RF amplitude and phase distribution out of each of the corresponding "n" output ports. All ports are matched and isolated from each other across a wide instantaneous frequency. Also the RF power distribution will track in amplitude and phase across a wide frequency band. This is achieved through a special arrangement of air-stripline matched power dividers, attenuator, phase shifters, and Magic-Tee couplers. The output ports of the network can be connected directly to the radiating elements or to partitioned feed circuits which are in turn connected to sub-sets of the radiating elements.