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Accuracy

Performance evaluation of serrated edge and blended rolled edge compact range reflectors
T-H. Lee,W.D. Burnside, November 1995

Evaluation of serrated edge and blended rolled edge compact range reflectors is presented in this paper. An interactive approach is used to design the serrated reflectors. Several issues associated with the serrated reflectors are also discussed in this paper. Quiet zone fields for various serrated edge with an optimally designed blended rolled reflector are presented for comparison. In addition, simulations of a low sidelobe phased array measurement using serrated and blended rolled edge reflectors are shown to investigate their impact on the measurement accuracy.

Probe compensation characterization and error analysis in cylindrical near-field scanning
Z.A. Hussein, November 1994

A novel computer simulation methodology to properly characterize the role of probe directivity/pattern compensation in cylindrical near­ field scanning geometry is presented. The methodology is applied to a linear test array antenna and the JPIJNASA scatterometer (NSCA1) radar antenna. In addition, error analysis techniques of computer simulation and measured have been developed to determine the achievable accuracy in pattern measurements of the NSCAT antenna in cylindrical near field.

Position correction on large near-field scanners using an optical tracking system
G. Hindman, November 1994

Large scanners used for near-field antenna measurements require careful attention to the design and fabrication process to maintain probe position accuracy. This paper discusses the design, implementation, and results of a novel optical probe position tracking system used by NSI on a number of large near-field scanners. This system provides measurement of the probe X, Y and Z position errors, and real-time on-the-fly position correction. The use of this correction can significantly enhance measurement accuracy, and can reduce the cost of building large near-field scanners.

High performance medium gain antenna applications in the compensated compact range
T. Jakob,H-J. Steiner, J. Neve, J.F. Coroller, M. Boumans, November 1994

The Compensated Compact Range (CCR) has been proven to be a high performance test facility for payload and large satellite antenna measurements. To efficiently measure complete antenna farms with various types of antennas on the spacecraft in the same test campaign led to the growing demand for testing e.g. Global Horn antennas on the spacecraft in the CCR. As a matter of fact, medium gain antennas feature a small aperture simultaneously requiring larger test angles. Therefor, main interferer like "direct leakage" between the CCR feed and the antenna under test have to be quantified and their impact on the measurement accuracy have to be reconsidered. The presented paper will investigate theoretically the feasibility of testing high performance widebeam antennas in the Top-Fed-Cassegrain double reflector system. Qualified measurement results of INTELSAT Global Horn Antennas featuring medium gain and extreme crosspolarization purity will be presented.

Demonstration of test zone field compensation in an anechoic chamber far-field range
D.N. Black,D.A. Leatherwood, E.B. Joy, R.E. Wilson, November 1994

Test zone field (TZF) compensation increases antenna pattern measurement accuracy by compensating for non-plane wave TZFs. The TZF is measured over a spherical surface encompassing the test zone using a low gain probe. The measured TZF is used in the compensation of subsequent pattern measurements. TZF compensation is demonstrated using measurements taken in an anechoic chamber, far-field range. Extraneous fields produced by reflection and scattering of the range antenna field in the chamber causes the TZF to be non-planar. The effect of these extraneous fields on pattern measurements is shown. Measured TZFs are also shown. TZF compensation results for pattern measurements using a high-gain, X-band slotted waveguide array are presented.

Three antenna gain methods on a near field range
W.G. Scott,G. Masters, November 1994

The Three-Antenna gain method is commonly used on far-field ranges to determine an antenna's absolute gain. This is especially true when no other calibrated antenna is available. This method has been used for years by calibration laboratories such as NIST to calibrate probes and gain standards for far and near-field ranges. In some cases, the calibration is too costly or does not meet the schedule requirements of the near-field test range. An alternative is to calibrate the probe or gain standards directly on the near-field range. In this paper we present the results of a study done to show the accuracy of the Three-Antenna gain method when used on a near-field range. An extensive error analysis is presented validating the utility of this method.

Surface adjustment of modular mesh antenna using near field measurements
M. Shimizu, November 1994

The advantages of mesh antennas include good storability and low mass for large on-board antennas over 10M in diameter. Their weak point is that surface adjustment is necessary to attain high accurate surface. Surface adjustment traditionally involves the repeated measurement of surface node position with a theodolite system and subsequent cable adjustment. These steps take much time. This paper describes a surface adjustment scheme that uses near field measurement for a modular mesh antenna composed of mesh, cable network and supporting structure. The node positions of the antenna are obtained by back projection of the far field pattern generated from the near field pattern. The cable network has low sensitivity to changes in local node position. The results of tests show that the surface accuracy needed to achieve the required RF performance can be obtained quickly without theodolite systems.

550 GHz near-field antenna measurement system for the NASA sub-millimeter wave astronomy satellite, A
D. Slater, November 1994

This paper describes a 550 GHz planar near-field measurement system developed for flight qualification of the radio telescope carried onboard the NASA submillimeter wave astronomy satellite (SWAS). The very high operating frequency required a new look at many near-field measurement issues. For example, the short wavelength mandated a very high precision scanner mechanism with the accuracy of a few microns. A new thermal compensation technique was developed to minimize errors caused by thermally induced motion between the scanner and spacecraft antenna.

High-speed measurement of T/R modules used in phased array antennas
J.M. Moorehead, November 1994

As mobile and satellite phased array antennas move from to concept production the demands on test station throughput increases dramatically. Completely characterizing a Transmit/Receive (TIR) module may require thousands of S-parameter measurements under CW and high-power pulsed conditions, as well as, harmonics, spurious, and noise figure measurements. The measurement throughput of instrumentation used in characterizing the prototype TIR modules simply may not be capable of handling the added volume of a production environment. The volume of measurements, the multiport nature of the device, and the integrated TIR module control make it necessary to reexamine the traditional approaches of separate network analyzers, noise figure meters, and spectrum analyzers. The result is a high-speed modular test ystem that completely characterizes the device in a single connection. The system contains a single receiver and a dedicated controller that utilizes the instrumentation in the most efficient method while maintaining or increasing the accuracy of traditional approaches. This paper describes the high-speed test stations that have been designed and built and are currently in use in several production facilities. Test system architecture is discussed and measurement throughput numbers are given and compared to conventional approaches.

Application of flexible scanning in advanced APC techniques
J. van Norel,A.H. van Gastel, J. Neve, J.F. Coroller, V.J. Vokurka, November 1994

Present day accuracy requirements on high-performance antenna measurements are difficult to meet on any type of compact range. Numerical correction techniques can offer a good solution. An easy and effective method is the Advanced APC-technique. This method requires patterns to be measured on different locations in the test zone so that disturbances of the plane wave can be distinguished. In case of suitable distances, the "true" pattern can be derived from measured amplitude and phase data. Usually, scanning is performed in longitudinal direction. The advantage is that mutual coupling can be distinguished well, but the field ripple in this direction due to extraneous fields varies much slower than in transversal direction. Consequently, first sidelobes can be corrected more efficiently when transversal scanning is performed. Therefore, in this paper a new and flexible way of positioning is proposed depending on the location of extraneous field sources.

Incremental build of a planar near-field range
J. Friedel,D.L. Wilkerson, D.W. Briggs, R. Keyser, November 1994

The Sacramento Air Logistics Center at McClellan AFB has developed near-field (NF) antemia test capability over the past three years. With assistance from the National Institute of Standards and Teclmology (NIST), McClellan has assembled a modem planar near-field antenna range using components from various vendors. Although the LH( division of McClellan AFB) team's current range has been operating for over a year, it is being continuously improved for measurement accuracy, user-friendliness, and safety. This paper will briefly discuss the evolution of McClellan's near-field program, and then focus on the building of the LH near-field antenna range. Radio-frequency (RF) issues, such as RF design and electromagnetic shielding will be covered. Precision measurement teclmiques such as positioning accuracy and temperature control are discussed. Finally, relevant safety and constrnction issues affecting the McClellan facility will be examined.

Qualified and high performance test results of the cylindrical outdoor near-field test range
H-J. Steiner,A. McCormick, J. Habersack, J.R. Holloway, T. Fritzel, T. Jakob, November 1994

One of the world's most sophisticated antenna test ranges is now fully operational. This was designed by the Deutsche Aerospace (DASA) and is operated by Siemens Plessey Systems (SPS). The presented paper will describe the pioneering design philosophy adopted to ensure the stringent performance features. Although this facility is located outside, it allows extremely high precision probing of cylindrical near field of large and very complex antenna systems, with turning diameters up to 16 meters and up to 20 GHz. Besides the RCS optimized 36 m large scanner tower the significant highlights of this facility consist of a comprehensive air-conditioning system for all accuracy dependent components, a permanent autoalignment system, which ensures high precision cylindrical measurements and an interleaved high speed data collection system, which delivers a maximum of data performance within a minimum time frame. Test results including a pattern comparison of the Ref­ erence Antenna between measurements in DASA facilities and the SPS Cylindrical Near-Field Test Facility show good range performance. The evaluation of the range performance data demonstrates the measurement integrity of the facility and proves to be qualified to characterize a wide range of antennas.

Precise computer controlled conical rotation of string supported targets
D.C. Bishop,C.F. Suter, P.S.P. Wei, November 1994

New results on very precise, computer controlled manipulation of string supported targets suspended from an upper turntable (UTT) in the Boeing 9-77 compact radar range are presented. A computer program was developed that uses the precision optical measurement system (POMS) information for feedback to automatically control the conic_pitch and conic_roll of arbitrary radar targets to within ± 0.066° (RMS) of the desired pitch and roll. The system provides quick and accurate maneuvering of targets to any desired static position with accuracy in the static yaw, pitch, and roll of ± 0.01°. Automatic volumetric field probes are also possible using a sphere suspended from computer operated strings. Sphere movement can be continuous or stepped along any desired path and is controlled to within ±0.05 inches anywhere within the quiet zone (± 14 ft high by ± 20 ft wide by ± 25 ft).

Remote thickness sensor
W.S. Arceneaux, November 1993

Applications that require tight tolerances on dielectric thickness control need accurate sensors. A technique has been developed that will allow for the measurement of thickness without requiring surface contact. High resolution radar imaging, commonly used in RCS measurements , is now being used to measure thickness. Electromagnetic fields reflected from the front and rear surface are detected and the time response delta is converted into thickness. A major advantage of this method is that it is not affected by varying sensor offset height.

Satellite and satellite antenna testing with high speed electronics
D.W. Hess,C.B. Brechin, November 1993

This presentation offers some examples of performance in accomplishing high volume testing under the rigorous technical constraints imposed by the satellite industry. As an example of a high speed system, the Scientific-Atlanta Model 2095 will be used to illustrate the capability offered by today's technology. This system has found applicatio0n in the facilities of five satellite manufacturers constructed within the past three years and is proven by its demonstrated application in satellite programs.

Analytic spherical near field to near/far field transformation, An
T.K. Sarkar,A. Taaghol, P. Petre, R.F. Harrington, November 1993

An efficient and accurate spherical near field to far field transformation without probe correction is presented. The indices m of the Legendre polynomials is summed up analytically, thereby reducing the computation time. Computations with both synthetic and experimental data illustrate the accuracy of this technique.

Measurement speed and accuracy in switched signal measurements
J. Swanstrom,R. Shoulders, November 1993

The interdependence of accuracy and speed should be considered when analyzing measurement requirements. Tradeoffs can be made to optimize the measurement when accuracy is of primary importance, or where speed is critical. Several different measurement modes of the HP 8530A Microwave Receiver are presented, each with different measurement speed and accuracy tradeoffs. Examples are given that illustrate which acquisition modes would be appropriate to optimize the acquisition speed and accuracy in a variety of applications

Contrast of VHF RCS measurement challenges indoor/outdoor, A
D. Craig,J. Matis, November 1993

This paper contrasts indoor and outdoor implementation of efforts during upgrades of VHR RCS measurement capabilities. Sites studied are two McDonnell Douglas Technologies Incorporated, Range Measurements Services facilities. Indoor. Radar Measurement Center (San Diego, CA) is a large compact range. Equipment-Harris Corporation Model 1630 Collimator System, Scientific Atlanta Model 2090 radar. Outdoor. Microwave test facility (Victorville, CA), large ground plane facility. Equipment-Steerable dipole feed dish, System Planning Corp, Mark III radar.

Validation measurements of reflector antenna strut lobes
R.C. Rudduck,J.Y. Wu, T-H. Lee, November 1993

The feed support struts often cause noticeable strut lobes in the patterns of reflector antennas. For example, strut lobes are apparent in the measured and calculated patterns presented in Ref. [1] for the 8-foot diameter reflector with a prime focus feed. As pointed out in [1], the calculated strut lobes are higher than the measured ones. The reason for the difference is secondary scattering by the oppositely located strut, which was not modeled in the calculated pattern in [1]. Detailed examination showed a difference of about 2 1/2 dB caused by the secondary scattering for this reflector antenna design. The purpose of this paper is to present measured and calculated patterns which explicitly demonstrate the quantitative effect of the secondary strut scattering. This effort is shown by comparing the measured strut lobe levels with the oppositely located strut removed, i.e., by using 3 struts instead of 4 struts. Calculated patterns are also given in which the secondary scattering is modeled.

GHz compact range for scale model RCS measurements, A
M.J. Coulombe,J. Waldman, R. Giles, T. Ferdinand, T. Horgan, November 1993

A 585 GHz compact range has been developed for obtaining full scale RCS measurements on scale model targets. The transceiver consists of two CW submillimeter-wave gas lasers along with two colled-InSb heterodyne mixers. Coherent detection has been implemented to maximize sensitivity and allow for a vector measurement capability. In addition, the target can be rapidly translated in range to generate a doppler modulation which is used to reject background signals during low-RCS measurements. Although most scaling has evolved to develop non-metallic materials with scaled dielectric properties as well as validation and test program, RCS measurements are made on scaled simple and complex shapes and compared with full-scale measurements and computer predictions. A description of the 585 GHz compact range along with measurement examples are presented in this paper.







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