Robotic Near Field Scanning for High Throughput Phased Array Production Test

Authors: Ernestus Vermeulen, John Demas
Publication: EuCAP 2024
Copyright Owner: NSI-MI Technologies

The demand for rapid production testing of phased array antennas necessitates agile solutions. During the past 5 years robot based near-field measurement systems have evolved and become increasingly used in the testing of phased array antennas. Robotic positioning systems offer greater positioning range and flexibility than traditional scanning systems by allowing the use of different test tools and geometries. These benefits allow for faster and more efficient testing. For all the benefits they bring, robot-based systems have different facility interface and safety requirements that must be considered as part of specifying them for a particular test application. This paper provides a high-level comparison between traditional, and robot based near-field scanner systems and provides a high-level summary of the key benefits, limitations and unique attributes of robotic systems specifically focused on phased array production testing applications. It also provides an example of how a robotic system was implemented to test phased array tiles for one application.

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