Evaluation of the Compact Antenna Range for Millimeter Wave Antenna Measurements

Authors: Joseph H. Pape

Publication: AMTA 1980

Copyright Owner: NSI-MI Technologies

The compact antenna range has been recognized as an effective means of testing microwave antennas. Antennas which normally require long outdoor ranges for testing can be tested under far field conditions at an indoor facility, using the compact range.

The compact range operates on the principal that a parabolic reflector will transform an incident spherical wave into a collimated plane wave in its near zone. The plane wave produced is suitable for testing antennas, thus simulating far field electromagnetic criteria in the near zone. The typical compact range is housed in a room approximately 20 feet wide, 40 feet long and 20 feet high.

The performance of the compact range has been well documented and specified over a frequency range of 3.95 GHz to 18.0 GHz. Now, through recent testing performed at Scientific-Atlanta, the compact range can be specified for operation up through 60.0 GHz.

This paper describes the tests that were performed, discusses the results of these tests and establishes performance specifications for operation at these millimeter frequency bands.