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Accuracy

An Effective Antenna Modelling For the NF-FF Transformation with Planar Wide-Mesh Scanning
C. Gennarelli,F. D'Agostino, F. Ferrara, G. Riccio, R. Guerriero, November 2005

ABSTRACT A fast and accurate technique is proposed in this work for the far field evaluation from a nonredundant number of voltage data collected by using the planar wide-mesh scanning (PWMS). It relies on the nonredundant sam­pling representations of the electromagnetic field and on the optimal sampling interpolation expansions of central type. By using a very flexible source modelling, which fits very well a lot of actual antennas, a new sampling technique is developed to recover the plane-rectangular data from the knowledge of the PWMS ones. It must be stressed that the so developed near-field–far-field transfor­mation requires a number of data remarkably lower than that needed by the standard plane-rectangular scanning. Some numerical tests, assessing the accuracy of the technique and its stability with respect to random errors affecting the data, are reported.

Measurement Sensitivity and Accuracy Verification for an Antenna Measurement System
N. Hui,A.A. Lubiano, C.R. Brito, D. Arakaki, November 2005

An antenna measurement system was developed to complement a new rectangular anechoic chamber (20’L x 10’W x 9’7”H) that has been established at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) through donations and financial support from industry and Cal Poly departments and programs. Software algorithms were written to provide four data acquisition methods: continual sweep and step mode for both single and multiple frequencies. Log magnitude and phase information for an antenna under test is captured over a user-specified angular position range and the antenna's radiation pattern is obtained after post processing. Pattern comparisons against theoretical predictions are performed. Finally an RF link budget is calculated to evaluate the performance of the antenna measurement system.

Theoretical Basis and Applications of Near-Field Spiral Scannings
C. Gennarelli,C. Rizzo, C. Savarese, F. D'Agostino, G. Riccio, November 2005

ABSTRACT A unified theory of near-field spiral scans is proposed in this work by introducing a sampling representation of the radiated electromagnetic field on a rotational surface from the knowledge of a nonredundant number of its samples on a spiral wrapping the surface. The obtained results are general, since they are valid for spirals wrapping on quite arbitrary rotational surfaces, and can be directly applied to the pattern reconstruction via near-field–far-field transfor­mation techniques. Some numerical tests, assessing the accuracy of the technique and its stability with respect to random errors affecting the data, are reported with ref­erence to the case of the helicoidal scan.

SCARA Scanner for Portable Near-Field Antenna Testing
J. Snow,B. Slowey, November 2005

ABSTRACT The article discusses the performance and design of a SCARA type robot with counter balanced arms for portable near-field antenna testing. An X-band 43” by 93” antenna on its’ system trailer was tested. A SCARA robot uses rotating joints with parallel axis on linked arms to achieve straight line (or arbitrary) probe movement in a plane. For a horizontal movement plane counterbalanced arms allow movement without change in stress in the scanner structure or foundation, therefore probe movement stays in a plane and structure and foundations can be lightweight and more portable. Probe movement stayed within .004” of a flat surface. Graphite-epoxy tubular arms were used for lightweight, stiffness, and vibration damping. A clockspring like cable carrier was used for each rotary axis. This design kept the center axis free for a directly connected rotary encoder (providing greater accuracy). The diameter of the cable carrier housing at the rotary joint, between arms, enhanced safety by reducing the hazard of a scissoring effect. A dimension touch probe mounted in place of the RF probe was used to align the scanner to the antenna while on its’ system trailer.

Increasing the Measurement Accuracy of a Hologram-Based CATR by Averaging in Frequency Domain
V. Viikari,A. Raisanen, J. Ala-Laurinaho, J. Hakli, J. Mallat, November 2005

Hologram-based compact antenna test range (CATR) is a promising way to measure submm wave antennas. The hologram quality and the measurement accuracy of the hologram-based CATR is limited by the hologram manufacturing process. The measurement accuracy can be improved using pattern correction techniques. However, at submm wavelengths only the antenna pattern comparison (APC) technique is able to correct the effects of the spurious signals originating from the residual inaccuracies of the hologram pattern. A problem with the APC technique is that it is time consuming. This paper introduces a pattern correction technique for hologram-based CATRs. The technique is based on averaging in the frequency domain, and it is able to correct spurious signals originating from the hologram. Proposed technique is also faster than the APC technique. The proposed method is verified with a combination of measurements and simulations.

S-Parameter Extraction of a Partially Filled Waveguide by Using the Finite Element Method and the Numerical TRL Calibration Technique
P. Barba,A. Bogle, L. Kempel, November 2005

Inversion of the material parameters for a sample usually requires that the sample fill the waveguide cross-section. Alternative methods require that a non-filling sample be aligned along the center-line of the waveguide. However, it is not known how errors in placement impact the accuracy of the inversion. Hence, a numerical simulation to assess these errors is beneficial to the community. The extraction of the S-parameters from a rectangular­dielectric-filled waveguide is conducted numerically by means of the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Thru-Reflect-Line (TRL) calibration technique. Three different ratios of dielectric sample width (d) to waveguide width (a) are primarily studied. The results are then validated with experimental data on the X-band. An assessment of error with respect to position will be presented at the meeting.

Sidelobe Accuracy Improvement in a Compact Range by using Multiple Feed Locations
M. Boumans,H. Eriksson, November 2005

A generally practiced way to improve the sidelobe accuracy in antenna measurements is by repeating and averaging the measurements in different positions in the quiet zone (also referred to as APC or AAPC, depending on the application). An alternative new way for improving the accuracy of compact range measurements is by moving the compact range feed in different locations. This can easily be achieved for both horizontal and vertical directions. Although feed scanning causes a boresight shift, this can be easily compensated if the feed positions are selected intelligently. A significant measurement speed improvement can be realized by using multiple feeds in the relevant locations, instead of moving a single feed sequentially into these locations. Feed scanning APC has been successfully tested in the Ericsson Microwave Systems Compact Range, where it is now practiced in high accuracy radar antenna measurements.

The Calibration of Four-Arm Spiral Modal Measurements for Angle-of-Arrival Determination
J. Radcliffe,K. Pasala, November 2005

Direction Finding (DF) systems have long been an area of intense research within the Air Force Research Laboratory. There are presently two types of existing DF systems: wideband multi-mode antennas and interferometers. Wideband multi-mode DF systems allow for a large bandwidth but present a low resolution and high variance. Interferometers provide high accuracy and low variance but are narrow band and require a large number of single aperture antenna elements. An effort has commenced to incorporate a broadband DF system with high resolution using two multi-mode spiral antennas. Using an interferometer of multi-mode elements, we can provide high resolution and wideband operation without using numerous antennas. This paper presents the results of extensive wideband measurements carried out on a four-arm spiral antenna and the associated modeformer. These measurements are used to assess and validate the angle estimation capability of the multi-arm spiral antenna.

An Analysis of The Accuracy of Efficiency Measurements of Handset Antennas Using Far-field Radiation Patterns
I. Kadri,R. Thorpe, T, Palmer, November 2005

Radiation efficiency is an inherent property of an antenna that relates the net power accepted by an antenna to the total radiated power. It is especially useful for handset antennas where the radiation patterns are often of less use for comparing competing antennas. Radiation patterns though not as useful for direct comparisons, still provide one method by which efficiency can be calculated. To accurately calculate the efficiency from patterns, it becomes necessary to obtain multiple pattern measurements (cuts). A larger number of cuts whilst yielding more accurate efficiency results, significantly increase measurement time. Thus an antenna designer is often forced to trade off accuracy against measurement time since both quick and accurate measurements are desired. The focus of this paper is to quantify this trade off, in order to provide guidelines on the number of pattern measurements required for accurate efficiency results. Simulated and measured far-field radiation patterns are used and various numbers of cuts are utilized to quantify the loss in accuracy with a reduced number of cuts. The techniques outlined are geared primarily towards cellular handset antennas.

Conducted Emissions Testing for Electromagnetic Compatibility
M. Moy,D. Arakaki, November 2005

Operating frequencies in the gigahertz range is creating an increased need for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing. In the United States, FCC regulations require conformance to radiated and conducted emissions specifications. An EMC laboratory was established at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (screen room, test instrumentation, and software) and an experiment was developed to explore conducted emissions effects. This paper will describe the test configuration, explain the calibration procedure needed to acquire accurate measurements, and illustrate measurement techniques applied to two example systems. In addition, the data collection process is illustrated through software donated by CKC Laboratories (EMC specialists). To verify the functionality of the laboratory and to assess measurement accuracy, two 12V/15W switching power supplies are characterized for conducted emissions performance; one as supplied by the vendor (KGCOMP) and a second unit with the EMC filters removed. The noise spectrum for both units are plotted against frequency and compared to FCC specifications. The unaltered unit is shown to be in compliance, thus verifying the accuracy of the test procedure and instrumentation.

Data Comparison of Two Reflectivity Arches
B Smith,J. Lodge, November 2004

Abstract Standardization, accuracy and uncertainty are important considerations to the electromagnetic material measurement community. Test requirements, available hardware and material sample limitations can all add variance to each of these factors. This paper presents comparative data from the Boeing-Tulsa and Boeing-Philadelphia RF reflectivity arches for the purpose of illustrating a process of system performance verification. This initial study is intended to foster discussion within the community and to better understand discrepancies among the various test systems.

A Feed Scanning Based APC-Technique for Improving the Measurement Accuracy in a Sub-MM CATR
V. Viikari,A. Räisänen, J. Ala-Laurinaho, J. Häkli, J. Mallat, November 2004

It is vital for many future scientific remote sensing satellite missions to develop accurate measurement techniques for high-gain sub-mm wave antennas. At microwaves and longer millimeter wavelengths, the measurement techniques are well established and several error compensation methods have been introduced. This paper proposes a novel error compensation technique suitable for compact antenna test ranges (CATRs) at sub-mm wavelengths. The method is based on antenna pattern comparison (APC). In the APC-technique, several antenna patterns are recorded at different positions in the quiet-zone field and the corrected pattern is obtained by averaging the measured patterns. In the proposed technique, the relatively small feed antenna of the CATR is moved instead of moving the heavy combination of the antenna under test (AUT) and the rotation stage. This is much easier to accomplish. The applicability of the proposed method is studied and the method is demonstrated by a combination of quiet-zone measurements and simulations of the antenna measurements in a hologram based compact antenna test range at 310 GHz. For verification purposes the results with this method is compared to the results with the conventional APC-technique.

New Network Analyzer Methodologies in Antenna/RCS Measurements
L. Betts, November 2004

This paper is designed to illustrate the technical advances in Network Analyzers and how they can be effectively utilized in an RCS test range. The Hewlett-Packard 8530A [1 - 4] has been utilized in antenna test ranges since the 1980’s and will be used as a reference comparison. Advances in network analyzer hardware and software provide increased functionality, speed and accuracy for RCS measurements. A typical RCS full polarization matrix imaging measurement will be used to illustrate these advances in technology. Range gating, digital and down-range resolution and alias-free range topics will be discussed illustrating the technical advances that can be utilized in an RCS test range. Flexibility of network analyzer hardware will also illustrate the effectiveness of reducing measurement hardware complexity resulting in an increase in measurement speed and accuracy.

RCS measurement Errors Associated with Calibration Spheres on Foam Columns
A. Langford,G. Szatkowski, R. Vaughan, November 2004

There is a trend within the RCS community to use squatty cylinders in place of spheres for calibration. A higher degree of accuracy can be achieved; however, cylinder calibrations require much more precision in the alignment procedures. This effort is doubled when the dual calibration target is also a cylinder. The dual calibration test article could be a sphere thus reducing calibration efforts as long as good correlation exists between theory and measurement sphere data. A series of measurements were collected at the NASA Langley Research Center Compact Range Pilot Facility to study measurement errors of spheres atop foam columns to determine their feasibility for dual calibration use.

A Sphere String Reel Calibration Technique for Improved RCS Measurements
G. Szatkowski,B. Cooper, November 2004

In recent years the need for higher quality RCS calibrations has lead to several different calibration technique investigations, such as squat cylinders, bi-cones and hybrids of both. A desirable calibration technique requires: easy implementation, a known theoretical or calculable solution and minimal interaction. The sphere as a calibration target satisfies two of the three requirements. It has no alignment issues and can be easily calculated, but the sphere-holder interaction introduces several dB of error. To reduce this interaction error, a 3D string-reel support system has been developed and demonstrated that significantly improves sphere calibration accuracy. The string-reel sphere positioning system utilizes low dielectric and highly swept strings to achieve minimal calibration error. An additional benefit of this technique allows for field probing and quick quiet zone evaluations.

Active Antenna Measurement System with High speed Time Synchronization
L. Shmidov,S. Hizkiahou, November 2004

Phased arrays antennas are designed to control their radiation characteristics by accurately setting the phase and amplitude distribution of the elements. Inaccurate control of the phase and amplitude can significantly alter the radiation pattern of an array. In fact, the operating principle of scanning arrays of elements for applications such as target tracking or mobile satellite communications, where the requirements for low side lobes and high gain are of very high importance, is primarily based on precise control of the phase and amplitude of the elements. For these reasons, the complexity of antenna measurement system design for phased array antennas measurements involves high accuracy and precise time synchronization between all the components of the system. This paper presents a comprehensive solution for accurate and reliable measurement of very large phased array antennas at high frequencies. The presented solution addresses the following issues: • Accurate positioning of the RF sensor / probe. • High-speed multi – frequency data collection. • High-speed multi - port data collection. • Programmable and real-time TTL position event triggers. • Pulse measurement. • Multi beam measurement. • Synchronization with the radar computer.

Practical Implementation of Probe-Position Correction in Near-field Planar Scanning Measurements
J. Guerrieri,D. Tamura, K. MacReynolds, M. Francis, R. Wittman, November 2004

This paper discusses the use of a laser-tracking device to provide position information in x, y, and z that can be used in position correction algorithms to correct for any displacement error in the actual measurement. Planar near-field measurements require taking amplitude and phase information at accurate and equal point spacing on a plane in front of the antenna under test. The required position accuracy on this plane has been determined to be approximately ./50. As frequencies increase higher, the accuracy in point spacing position on the planar grid becomes more difficult to achieve.

Evaluation of Hard Gating in the ESA/ESTEC CPTR
J. Lemanczyk,D. Fasold, J. Hartmann, November 2004

Compact antenna test ranges such as the ESA/ESTEC CPTR are large facilities for the characterization of electrically and physically large antennas as well as end to end radiated payload testing. To achieve high accuracy measurements, time gating is used to filter out as many room effects as possible. The most common implementation of time gating is to perform a frequency sweep, Fourier transformation to the time domain followed by windowing, gating and back transformation to the frequency domain. All of this is at a time penalty. An alternative is to have a synchronised switching system to switch on and off the transmit power as well as switching on and off the receiver. Such a solution has been devised in a cooperative effort between EADS Astrium and the Munich University of Applied Sciences. The paper will present the capabilities of the Astrium HG2000 Hard Gate system (1) in the ESA/ESTEC CPTR, its implementation in the facility as well as presenting direct comparison of results obtained by the hard gate system with the conventional soft gate on both low gain and high gain antennas

On the Number of Modes in Spherical Expansions
F. Jensen, November 2004

Since the early days of spherical near-field far-field transformations a recommendation for the necessary number of polar modes has been given by , being the wavenumber and or the radius of the minimum sphere. The almost explosive development in computer speed and storage capacity witnessed during the last two decades has made trans-formations of fields from antennas exceeding thou-sands of wavelengths feasible, and a closer investiga-tion of the above expression seems to be appropriate. An improved expression for the number of modes, N, related to the antenna size and the required accuracy will be developed. The impact of truncation of the modal expansion at a given level will be illustrated. This is especially important for measurements where noise is present, or where there is undesirable scatter-ing from objects.

An Efficient and Highly Accurate Technique for Periodic Planar Scanner Calibration with the Antenna Unter Test in Situ
S. Pierce,M. Baggett, November 2004

This paper describes the development, testing and evaluation of a new, automated system for calibration and AUT alignment of a planar near-field scanner that allows the calibration system to remain in place during AUT measurement and which can be used to support AUT alignment to the scan plane. During scanner calibration, probe aperture position measurements are made using a tracking laser interferometer, a fixture that positions the interferometer retro reflector at a precise location relative to the probe aperture and a probe roll axis that maintains the proper orientation between the retro reflector and the interferometer as the probe position is moved. Aperture scan path information is used to construct a best-fit scan plane and to define a Cartesian, scanner-based coordinate system. Scan path data is then used to build a probe position error map for each of the three Cartesian coordinates as a function of the nominal position in the scan plane. These error maps can be used to implement software-based corrections (K-corrections) or they may be used for active Z-axis correction during measurements. By using a set of tooling points on the antenna mount, an AUT coordinate system is measured with the interferometer. The system then directs an operator through a set of AUT adjustments that align the AUT with the planar near-field scanner to a desired accuracy. This paper describes the implementation and testing of the system on an actual planar scanner and AUT test environment, showing the improvement in effective scanner planarity.







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