Short Course
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, far-field, and compact range 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 antenna testing.
Last day for registration: April 11, 2023Course Price: $3,750
Course Location: 19730 Magellan Dr., Torrance, CA 90502 USA
Register now
Schedule
Click on each topic for description below.
Tuesday - April 25
| Time | Module |
|---|---|
| 08:45 – 09:00 | Welcome and Introduction |
| 09:00 – 09:50 | Introduction to General Antenna Measurements |
| 10:00 – 11:50 | Introduction to Near-Field Theory |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch Break |
| 13:00 – 13:50 | Implementation of Near-Field Systems |
| 14:00 – 14:50 | Near-Field Range Alignment |
| 15:00 – 15:50 | Factory Tour |
| 16:00 – 16:50 | Gain Measurements |
Wednesday - April 26
| Time | Module |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:50 | Spherical Near-Field Theory |
| 10:00 – 10:50 | Near-Field Probes |
| 11:00 – 11:50 | Near-Field Range Assessments |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch Break |
| 13:00 – 13:50 | Introduction to Absorber and Shielding |
| 14:00 – 14:50 | Chambers and Absorber for Near-Field Systems |
| 15:00 – 16:50 | Acquisition Demonstration |
Thursday - April 27
| Time | Module |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 10:50 | Introduction to Compact Ranges |
| 11:00 – 11:50 | Chambers and Absorber for Compact Ranges |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch Break |
| 13:00 – 13:50 | RF Instrumentation for Antenna Measurement Systems |
| 14:00 – 14:50 | Advanced RF for Antenna Measurement Systems |
| 15:00 – 16:50 | NSI2000 Software Overview and Demonstration |
Friday - April 28
| Time | Module |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 10:50 | Integration and Test of Active Electronically Scanned Arrays |
| 11:00 – 11:50 | Intro to NSI2000 Scripting |
Introduction to General Antenna Measurements
Presented by: Daniël Janse van Rensburg, Ph.D.
Length: 50 minutes
In this session, we provide an introductory look at the relevant theory, terminology and parameters associated with antenna measurements. This gives the viewer an understanding of the different field regions around an antenna, defines some basic antenna polarization parameters, explains the Friis transmission equation, describes the commonly used spherical coordinate system, and more.
Gain Measurements
Presented by: Patrick Pelland
Length: 50 minutes
Determination of an antenna’s absolute gain is one of the most common requirements for all antenna measurement systems. In this module, antenna gain, and other associated parameters are presented. Various gain measurement techniques are described in detail and some of the main sources of gain measurement uncertainty are discussed.
Introduction to Absorber and Shielding
Presented by: Vince Rodriguez, Ph.D
Length: 50 minutes
In this module, some basic antenna range design concepts are presented. First, the need for RF absorbers in antenna measurement ranges is discussed. A variety of absorber types are presented along with some information about the reflectivity performance and power handling of the available options. A discussion on the need, or lack thereof, for proper shielding of the anechoic environment is also included.
RF Instrumentation for Antenna Measurement Systems
Presented by: Patrick Pelland
Length: 50 minutes
The RF sub-system is a fundamental building block for any antenna measurement solution. This module will discuss the need to maximize the available dynamic range for antenna measurements. Some RF link budgets are shared and analyzed, and a comparison of various RF sub-system solutions is shared.
Advanced RF for Antenna Measurement Systems
Presented by: Vivek Sanandiya
Length: 50 minutes
This module expands on the previous session with some more advanced topics. This includes discussions on pulsed RF testing, characterizing frequency converting antennas, mm-wave RF systems and testing of active phased arrays. Solutions for advanced automaton including range reversal and band switching are also presented.
Introduction to Near-Field Theory
Presented by: Jeff Fordham
Length: Two 50-minute modules
The first module of this two-part lecture will provide a high-level overview of near-field theory and measurement techniques. We will introduce concepts, key variables, and sampling requirements in the process. Part two will go over the scattering matrix formulation and the critical probe correction process of near-field analysis.
Implementation of Near-Field Systems
Presented by: Patrick Pelland
Length: 50 minutes
This presentation starts with a discussion about the relevant coordinate systems for the various near-field systems under consideration. The theoretical concepts that these near-field systems are based on are compared to how systems are implemented in practice. The three most common near-field geometries (planar, cylindrical, spherical) are described.
Near-Field Range Alignment
Presented by: Patrick Pelland
Length: 50 minutes
This module starts with an overview of range alignment requirements for various measurements system geometries. Some of the tools and techniques available to align a probe and antenna under test on near-field systems are presented. A brief overview of how a spherical near-field system is aligned during installation or maintenance activities is presented.
Spherical Near-Field Theory
Presented by: Daniël Janse van Rensburg, Ph.D.
Length: 50 minutes
This lecture delves into the theory behind spherical near-field antenna measurements. Various spherical coordinate systems are described along with the associated sampling strategies. The solutions to Maxwell’s equations in spherical coordinates are presented. Lastly, the requirements for spherical near-field probe correction are shared.
Near-Field Range Assessments
Presented by: Daniël Janse van Rensburg, Ph.D.
Length: 50 minutes
Like any other type of measurement, near-field data acquisition and processing are subject to several sources of error. This module outlines the main contributors to measurement uncertainty and describes the techniques used to quantify the uncertainty. Several terms are described in detail and error reduction techniques are presented.
Chambers and Absorber for Near-Field Systems
Presented by: Vince Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Length: 50 minutes
This session focuses on the decisions that go into the design of an anechoic environment for near-field applications. Chamber sizing formulations are shared for both planar and spherical measurement systems. Absorber treatment guidelines are presented for these two geometries.
Near-Field Probes
Presented by: Vince Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Length: 50 minutes
The quality of a near-field measurement is heavily dependent on the antenna selected for use as near-field probe. This module describes the need for probe correction and some of the important design characteristics of a near-field probe. A list of some of the available types of suitable probes and their advantages and drawbacks is presented.
Introduction to Compact Ranges
Presented by: Vivek Sanandiya
Length: Two 50-minute modules
The first module introduces the compact range as a better alternative to the conventional far-field range for various applications. The session presents compact range principles of operation, various sources of error, and a brief discussion on compact range size and absorber treatment. The second module focuses on different compact range configurations and reflector edge treatments, presenting differences in implementation and performance.
Implementation of Compact Ranges
Presented by: Marion Baggett
Length: Two 50-minute modules
This module starts with a case study presenting a set of requirements for a new compact range. Details of the ideal compact range solution designed to meet the requirements follows. This includes sizing of the chamber, location and size of test equipment and compact range reflector, ideal feed selection, absorber treatment, RF sub-system considerations, and more.
Compact Range Applications: Radar Cross Section Measurements
Presented by: Stephen Blalock
Length: Two 50-minute modules
In this two-part session, we explore Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurements. The basic concepts of RCS are defined, and the compact range is presented as the ideal solution for RCS characterization. RCS range design considerations are presented, including a discussion about RCS range instrumentation. Various RCS data outputs are presented to help the audience better grasp RCS performance metrics.
Compact Range Design and Manufacture
Presented by: Anil Tellakula
Length: 50 minutes
This module delves into the design and manufacturing process of compact range reflectors. The design parameters and process are described for both serrated and rolled edge reflectors. A case study is presented that will delineate the entire process of designing, manufacturing, installing, and testing a large compact range reflector.
Chambers and Absorber for Compact Ranges
Presented by: Vince Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Length: 50 minutes
This session focuses on the decisions that go into the design of an anechoic environment for compact ranges. Simulations of the wave fronts emanated throughout a compact range are shared to help the audience understand the need for proper absorber treatment on the walls and around the feed positioner. Guidelines for sizing the room for conventional compact range measurements and RCS applications are presented.
Advanced Compact Range Topics
Presented by: Jeff Fordham
Length: 50 minutes
One should consider a variety of possible error sources when estimating total measurement uncertainty for compact range measurements. This module describes the process of uncertainty analysis for compact ranges and discusses some of the most significant error sources. The need for feed polarization distortion correction is discussed and two stray signal suppression techniques are presented.
Compact Range Applications: Radome Testing
Presented by: Steve Nichols
Length: 50 minutes
Several measurement solutions are available to characterize the performance of an aircraft radome. This talk focuses on radome testing using compact range systems. Commercial nose radome testing is discussed in detail and the required measurement parameters are described. The talk concludes with brief discussions on other radome measurement system types and military applications.
NSI2000 Software Overview and Demonstration
Presented by: Patrick Pelland
Length: Two 50-minute modules
This session provides the viewer with a detailed overview of the NSI2000 software. The various software menus, features and options will be explored in detail. Instructions for basic measurement setup, near-field pre-processing and far-field data processing are presented. Using real measurement examples, the viewer will better understand how to adjust NSI2000’s coordinate system and polarization properties to view and export data in the desired format.
Integration and Test of Active Electronically Scanned Arrays
Presented by: Patrick Pelland, Vivek Sanandiya
Length: Two 50-minute modules
In this session we explore AESA (Active Electronically Steered Array) antennas and the unique problems they pose for the test engineer. Our attention will be focused primarily on AESA control issues: test plan complexity, measurement timelines, and optimizing test efficiency. A practical discussion of beam steering interfaces and how they affect range timing and antenna performance will give the audience a baseline for understanding their own AESA integration challenges. Finally, some practical error-checking techniques are presented that will help verify coordination between the range controller and the AESA being tested, for trustworthy and efficient testing.
Intro to NSI2000 Scripting
Presented by: Patrick Pelland
Length: 50 minutes
In this session, we provide an overview of the NSI2000 scripting environment. Basic language structures, instrumentation communication, acquisition and processing functions available through the scripter will be discussed. Acquisition and processing automation functions will be described. Finally, example scripts for advanced data processing and far-field export will be shared.