Method for creation of planar or complex wavefronts in close proximity to a transmitter array

Abstract

An apparatus and method for generating an electromagnetic environment in which the free field, plane wave response of electronic systems of an electrically large (greater than several wavelengths in its longest dimension) object, or objects, under test can be measured in the electromagnetic radiating near field of the transmitter array apparatus. The apparatus comprises: (1) one or more transmitting station(s), each station home to an array of radiating elements; (2) a software operating system and computer that controls the electronic circuits of the apparatus and executes an optimizing algorithm based on a Genetic Algorithm to control the radiation of each transmitting station; and (3) mechanical and electrical circuits that enable the apparatus to conduct self calibration and adjustment as required. In operation, the apparatus is placed and distributed about an object under test. With input from an operator, an optimization procedure based on a Genetic Algorithm determines the magnitude and phase of each radiating element, of each transmitting station. The apparatus then creates an electromagnetic environment that couples to sensors through small apertures distributed about the object under test, and causes the electronic behavior of electronic systems of the object under test to mimic their response to a true free field, plane wave environment.