.svg?la=en&revision=cee9767f-8e72-4d76-a07a-14ba25688269&hash=ADF64722447408F8CA70B4436F59CB64)
Minimize space. Maximize accuracy. Accelerate results.
NSI-MI’s Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) systems deliver true far-field measurements in a compact, controlled environment, eliminating the need for massive outdoor or indoor ranges. Using advanced parabolic reflector technology, our CATRs create a precise plane wave indoors—giving you far-field performance without the footprint.
Perfect for production testing and product development, our solutions support AESA radar, 5G NR, and other next-generation technologies. With real-time data capture and a shielded environment that reduces interference, you get consistent, repeatable, and reliable results—every time.
Why Choose NSI-MI?
Proven Expertise: Installed the world’s first commercial compact range in 1973—leading the industry ever since.
Unmatched Capability: From single-panel reflectors to large multi-panel systems—including a 7.3m x 10.7m elliptical quiet zone—we deliver solutions for demanding applications.
Made in the USA: Innovative systems from our Atlanta, GA facility serving customers worldwide.
Ready to Elevate Your Antenna Testing?
Partner with NSI-MI and experience precision, performance, and reliability trusted by leading organizations worldwide.
Request for Info or QuoteCATR systems offer many unique benefits over other system types
Antenna pattern characterization at greatly reduced range length
Efficient use of real estate
Thermally controlled environment
Real-time data collection
Highly repeatable measurements
Safe and secure noise-free test environment
Unlike near-field techniques, the CATR streamlines the measurement process by eliminating the need to scan the entire antenna aperture to obtain a single far-field pattern cut. This results in faster, more efficient evaluations of antenna performance, greatly improving the efficiency of high throughput production ranges and reducing operation costs. These systems are also perfect for R&D facilities, where prototypes can be tested and tuned with speed and accuracy.
Designed for indoor use, these systems require significantly less space than the traditional direct illumination far-field alternative, while offering superior performance. The indoor nature of these systems also ensures greater test availability, free from weather-related delays or logistical constraints. The compact range is a preferred choice for testing sensitive or classified antennas, sensors, radars, or active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs).
Reflector Design & Manufacturing
At the heart of every NSI-MI compact range system is the precision-engineered reflector—essential for creating the controlled electromagnetic environment required for accurate antenna, RCS, and radome measurements. Since installing our first commercial compact range system in 1973, NSI-MI has led the industry in the design, manufacturing, installation, and characterization of compact range reflectors. Our continued innovation ensures high-performance solutions for even the most demanding test environments. Learn more about our compact range reflectors below.
Learn MoreSite-Built Compact Range Systems
NSI-MI’s Compact Range Systems are engineered to meet a wide range of testing needs, with configurations categorized into small (up to 1.2 m2 quiet zone), medium (up to 2 m2 quiet zone), and large (up to 10 m2 quiet zone) systems. Custom sizes are also available to accommodate unique requirements. These site-built systems support a broad range of applications including antenna radiation pattern characterization, radar cross-section measurements, radome analysis, and more—delivering precision and flexibility in controlled environments. Each system comes equipped with a compact range reflector and support structure, feed and AUT positioners, control system, Windows workstation and acquisition & processing software. Optional items include high-performance RF sub-systems, compact range optimized feeds, standard gain horns, anechoic chamber, and more. Learn more about our different classes of Compact Range Systems below.
Small Compact Range Systems
NSI-MI’s Small Compact Range Systems (CRS) are ideal for general purpose antenna testing. These systems offer full sphere coverage, with quiet zones ranging from 0.5 m to 1.2 m. Various models are available, supporting frequencies down to 2 GHz and up to 110 GHz and beyond. Each system comes equipped with a rolled-edge reflector and support stand, AUT and feed positioners, control system, Windows workstation and acquisition & processing software.
Medium Compact Range Systems
NSI-MI’s Medium Compact Range Systems (CRS) are engineered for a wide range of testing applications, including antenna characterization, radar cross section (RCS) analysis, and radome evaluation. These systems deliver full-sphere coverage and feature quiet zones ranging from 0.9 m to 2 m. Multiple models are available, supporting an extensive frequency range from 1.5 GHz to 110 GHz and beyond. Each system is equipped with a precision reflector and support stand, positioners for both the antenna under test (AUT) and the feed, an integrated control system, a Windows-based workstation, and robust acquisition and processing software.
Large Compact Range Systems
NSI-MI’s Large Compact Range Systems (CRS) are engineered for a broad spectrum of testing applications, including antenna characterization, radar cross section (RCS) analysis, and radome evaluation. These systems deliver full-sphere coverage and feature elliptical or cylindrical quiet zones ranging from 3 m to over 10 m. Designed to support a wide frequency range—from 0.5 GHz to 40 GHz and beyond—they are available in multiple configurations to meet diverse testing needs. Each system includes a precision reflector with support stand, positioners for both the antenna under test (AUT) and the feed, an integrated control system, a Windows-based workstation, and advanced acquisition and processing software
Portable Compact Range Systems
With over 50 years of expertise, NSI-MI offers pre-configured and customizable solutions ranging from 0.2 m (8 in.) to XX m (YY ft.) diameter quiet zones. Learn more about the available options, below.
Portable Compact Range Measurement System 18-0.5
The pre-configured portable compact measurement system with 0.5 m x 0.5 m quiet zone, ideal for measuring medium to high gain antennas from 18.0–110.0 GHz.
Portable Compact Range Measurement System 18-0.8
The pre-configured portable compact measurement system with 0.8 m x 0.8 m quiet zone, ideal for measuring medium to high gain antennas from 18.0–110.0 GHz
Portable Compact Range Measurement System 8-0.5
The pre-configured portable compact measurement system with 0.5 m x 0.5 m quiet zone, ideal for measuring medium to high gain antennas from 8.2–110.0 GHz
Radome Measurement Systems
Trusted Worldwide for Radome Testing Excellence in Aviation
Today’s military and commercial aircraft carry a vast array of antennas for specialized and vital functions. Antennas for communications, navigation, weather and fire control must perform as specified to meet safety and mission requirements. Nose radomes must conceal and protect antennas without interfering with or degrading transmit/receive capabilities. An important property of a radome is transparency to the RF signal generated by the antenna resulting in: Maximum transmission efficiency, minimal beam deflection and boresight error, and minimal distortion to antenna patterns.
Compact ranges are used to evaluate the electromagnetic performance of radomes. These tests ensure that radomes meet stringent performance and reliability standards for both military and commercial applications.
Radome Measurement Systems
Today’s military and commercial aircraft carry a vast array of antennas for specialized and vital functions. Communications, navigation, weather and fire control antennas must perform as specified to meet safety and mission requirements.
Military Radomes
Whether you prefer the electronically calibrated antenna or null search BSE test method, when it comes to testing the accuracy of military radomes, we have you covered.
Test Services
With six different in-house test ranges configured with top-of-the-line, NIST-traceable calibrated components, we have the right solution to characterize your commercial or military radome at our facilities.
Radar Cross Section
From Prototype to Full-Scale: RCS Testing That Delivers Confidence
Compact ranges are precision-engineered indoor facilities designed to replicate far-field conditions within a controlled environment. They are ideal for conducting radar cross section (RCS) measurements, which assess how detectable a target is by radar. This is achieved by illuminating a target by a plane wave across a defined frequency range and quiet zone volume.
When integrated with RF instrumentation, specialized RCS feeds, and a target positioning system, the compact range enables secure and highly accurate RCS testing. The feeds and positioning components—including rotators and low-RCS pylons—are specifically designed to minimize scattered and diffracted energy that could otherwise compromise measurement integrity.
Learn More