The Impact of Receiver Leakage on Planar Near-Field Measurement Uncertainty

Authors: Niyati Sanandiya, Steve Nichols, Bruce Williams
Publication: AMTA 2024
Copyright Owner: NSI-MI Technologies

The impact of receiver internal leakage on planar near-field measurement uncertainty is significantly influenced by the selection of near-field parameters. Understanding how specific scan parameters affect the far-field leakage level is essential for effective mitigation. This paper establishes quantitative relationships between near-field parameters and the far-field peak amplitudes of both leakage and the antenna under test (AUT), as well as the mean noise level in the far-field pattern, based on empirical results.

Systematic scans were performed by altering only one or two specified near-field setup parameters per measurement, and graphical comparisons are provided. Practical approaches for mitigating receiver leakage are demonstrated through a case study involving receiver leakage on a planar scanner with a maximum scan area of 3.6 m x 3.6 m (12 ft x 12 ft). Additionally, a method for estimating the far-field receiver leakage level relative to the beam peak is discussed.

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