Small Cylindrical Near-Field Scanner Systems

Small Cylindrical Near-Field Scanner Systems

Features
  • Low cost
  • 360° x 0.9 m (3 ft) to 1.5 m (5 ft) cylindrical scan area
  • High accuracy y-linearity 0.125 mm (<0.005”) RMS
  • Precision rack and pinion drive
  • S-band to mmWave measurements
  • 725 kg (1,595 lb) load capacity azimuth positioner
  • Far-field, near-field, and holographic patterns
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High-Precision Azimuth Scanning for Small Aperture Antennas

Small cylindrical near-field measurement systems are ideal for measuring broad beam (azimuth) antennas with apertures less than 1.5 m (5 ft), making them ideal for testing stacked linear arrays. The scanners consist of a vertical probe tower with up to a 1.5 m (5 ft) travel, high capacity stepper motor-based azimuth positioner, control computer, software, and cabling. The high capacity probe carriage can accommodate probes as low as S-band including optional roll and translation stages. This simple design is easy to assemble and align, accurate, and can be dismantled for transport or storage within one working day.

  • Specifications
  • Applications
  • Capabilities
  • Standard Options
  • Available Add-Ons

Construction: Aluminum Tower and base; separate azimuth stage.
Drive System Precision Stepper Motors
Scan Area 360° x 0.9 m (3') to 1.5 m (5') Cylindrical Scan Area
Y-axis Linearity Uncorrected 0.076 mm (<0.003") RMS to 0.125 mm (<0.005”) RMS
Resolution Y: 0.0125° azimuth; 0.05 mm (0.002”)
Position Repeatability Y: 0.03° azimuth; 0.05 mm (0.002") RMS
Scan Speed Y: 20°/s azimuth; 0.38 m/s (15 in./s)
Azimuth Stage Axial Load 725 kg (1,595 lb) max.
Probe Carriage Capacity 4.5 to 9 kg (10 to 20 lb) maximum recommended WR284-WR430
System Controller NSI-MI controller with serial and parallel I/O interfaces
Measurement Workstation Measurement workstation computer with large LCD monitor
Stepper Motor Power Amplifier EIA 19" rack mount. (7" high x 14" deep)
Motor Cables Quick-connect; 12 m (40')
Scanner Absorber Absorber Kit (5" pyramidal cone)
Probe Optional
Probe Absorber Absorber Kit (5" Pyramidal Cone)
Probe Mount Angle Bracket - allows mounting probe in “V” or “H” orientation
RF Cables Qty. 2 - Flexible 4.5 m (15') with SMA (m-m) coaxial terminations; DC-18 GHz
Rotary Joint Qty 1 DC-18 GHz on Az stage
Supported RF Devices NSI-MI Receiver Subsystem or selection of Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz and Anritsu VNA's (contact NSI-MI for a complete list)
Power 100-120/200-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 500 watts

Dimensions


Width 1.0 m (39")
Depth 1.0 m (39") to 1.1 m (42")
Height 1.5 m (59") to 2.5 m (100")
System Weight 159 kg (350 lb) approx.

The system interfaces with a wide variety of RF equipment and is capable of measuring amplitude and phase patterns from S-band to mmWave Bands. The system includes Antenna Measurement Software. The system software runs on an Intel based measurement workstation and provides automatic setup of scans based on measurement parameters and desired output. Measured data can be processed for far-field or holographic patterns yielding complete characterization of the antenna's performance. A single data set provides information on antenna gain, side lobe structure, beam pointing and cross polarization. The systems can be supplied with a variety of options to enhance system performance.

  • Azimuth and Y stepper motor driven scanner
  • 12 m (40') motor cable set
  • Control processor
  • Motor drive electronics
  • Scanner absorber kit
  • Antenna measurement software
  • X-band probe kit with probe absorber and mounting bracket
  • RF cables
  • Installation tool kit
  • System documentation and operation manual
  • Opt 100 220VAC 50 Hz Operation
  • Opt 101 European Version - CE Mark
  • Opt 102 Delete X-band Probe
  • Opt 103 Additional Operation and Maintenance Manual
  • Spherical Upgrade
  • Probe Roll Stage
  • Probe Z-Stage, 4” translation
  • On-Site Installation and Training