Abstract—Spherical near-field (SNF) systems using a swing arm gantry configuration have been the “go to” solution for automotive measurement systems. Recent advances in the automotive industry have warranted a need for SNF systems with high mechanical positioning accuracy supporting measurements up to 40 GHz and beyond. This paper presents the design and implementation of a new swing arm gantry positioner having an 8-meter radius and a radial axis to support high frequency SNF measurements.

We first define the relation of the gantry axis to the global coordinate system and discuss primary sources of error. Next, a robust mechanical design is presented including design considerations and implementation. We then present errors measured using a tracking laser interferometer for probe position through the range of gantry axis travel. Static corrections for probe positioning errors are implemented in the control system using the radial axis. The resultant residual error for the swing arm gantry is then shown to have the accuracy required for high frequency SNF measurements.

Registration for our Spring Short Course is now open!

NSI-MI Technologies cordially invites you and your colleagues to attend our Annual Spring Short Course at our Los Angeles, CA facility. This course will cover the theoretical and practical aspects of near-field antenna testing. The presenters of this course have been specifically selected to provide a wide expertise base covering theory, application, software and instrumentation aspects of near-field antenna testing.

• Provides guidance on the proper design of indoor ranges for RF antenna measurements;
• Explores the important aspects of specifying the range or resources needed in a development program;
• Introduces analysis of existing ranges to determine their suitability for performing specific test that a user of the range may require;
• Readers find in-depth coverage of the design of ranges and how to evaluate the error contributions of the range and the best approach to measure a system, antenna, or other radiating hardware;
• Provides information on selecting the right range to make a specific type of measurement and understanding for an RF absorber;
• Includes MATLAB® scripts to help readers estimate the performance of an RF absorber;
• Readers will be able to estimate the required space for a given type of measurement, as well as identify what type of range is the better choice, based on physical limitations and economics;
• Describes simple rules for the design of an anechoic chamber, based on the required accuracy and parameters to be measured.

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We are happy to announce that Daniel’s contract as Adjunct Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada has been renewed for another five years, through December 31, 2023. Daniel has held this role since January 2005. With this appointment, he has co-supervisory authority at the Masters and Ph.D. level which enables him to engage with the School’s research activities. Not only is this a significant achievement in absolute terms, but it aligns with NSI-MI’s continued commitment to foster synergy with academia.

Daniel earned his B.Eng, M.Eng, and Ph.D. degrees in Electronic Engineering at the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. He has been working in the microwave aerospace industry for the past 25 years and been with NSI-MI since 1997. He specializes in microwave antenna measurement systems, computational electromagnetics and measurement uncertainty analysis. Daniel has published numerous journal articles and a textbook on these subjects and is a senior member of the IEEE, Fellow in the AMTA, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada. His career achievements include:

• Received the AMTA Distinguished Achievement Award for outstanding and pioneering contributions to the development, practice and commercialization of near-field antenna measurements in 2015
• Named an Edmond S. Gillespie Fellow by the AMTA in 2010
• Received an Outstanding Service award from the AMTA in 2009
• Received the Best Technical Paper Award from the AMTA in 2004
• Awarded an URSI Young Scientist Award by the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) in 1993
• Received a Promising Young Scientist Award from the Foundation for Research Development of South Africa in 1993

National Satellite Test Facility to provide the space industry with climatic, vibration, EMC and antenna testing capabilities in a single UK location for the first time.
Click here to read the article Test facility boosts UK space industry.

NSI-MI Technologies is pleased to announce the addition of Frequensys Limited to the NSI-MI team. Frequensys Limited, an RF consultant and equipment supplier based in Sheffield, United Kingdom, will be now known as NSI-MI UK.

As leaders in the RF and microwave test and measurement industry, NSI-MI Technologies knows the importance of having worldwide support and services. NSI-MI UK will offer all NSI-MI system solutions, backed by a strong presence in the United Kingdom. This expansion of resources and experience will bring European customers high quality, cost effective products and systems.

NSI-MI UK will retain all current staff members as they have an unrivalled track record and experience in all things RF. NSI-MI UK will also continue to offer and support the existing products and brands previously offered by Frequensys Limited, ensuring continuity and support to all existing customers.

John Breyer, NSI-MI CEO, stated “We are delighted that Frequensys is joining the NSI-MI team. Frequensys is well known for superior customer support, technical excellence and creativity. This combination will allow NSI-MI to serve our UK and European customers even better going forward.”

Simon Young, Managing Director of Frequensys Limited, voiced “This is a very positive development for Frequensys as we join NSI-MI, the world leading Microwave Test and Measurement Systems provider. We are taking our customer support for EMC and Antenna Measurement Systems to the next level and in expanding NSI-MI UK, we will be providing an even better product and service.”