Spherical Near-Field Arch Roll Scanner

Spherical Near-Field Arch Roll Scanner

Features
  • Radiation pattern testing of fixed mounted antennas
  • Scanning arch provides accurate probe motion over ±95 degrees in theta
  • Rotator provides 360° phi rotation of arch
  • Automatic electronic alignment capability
  • Dynamic on-the-fly probe position correction subsystem
  • Multi-beam, Multi-frequency control of RF subsystem
  • Optimized with NSI-MI data acquisition and processing software
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Advanced Spherical Near-Field Scanning for Stationary Antenna Testing

The spherical near-field arch roll scanner is an ideal system for measuring radiation characteristics of non-moving antennas which require a full hemisphere coverage and can not be tested using the planar near field technique. A traditional spherical near-field system would require the antenna to either move in one or two axes, however the NSI-MI scanner uses a novel dual-axis probe motion design to allow the antenna to remain stationary which is ideal for satellite or radar antenna testing. The system interfaces with a wide variety of NSI-MI, Keysight, or Rohde & Schwarz RF equipment. The antenna measurement software 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.

  • Specifications
  • Applications
  • Capabilities
Construction Steel support column, Phi Rotation Stage, and Theta "C" Shaped Arch Structure
Drive System Precision Stepper Motors
Scan Area 360° Phi and ± 95° in Theta°
Maximum Antenna Diameter 2.4 m (96 in.)
Resolution 0.0015° Phi and Theta
Position Repeatability 0.015° RMS
Rotational Speed (Azimuth, Roll, Pol) 30°/s Phi, 5°/s Theta
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 483 mm (19 in.) rack mount.
Motor Cables Quick-connect; 12 m (40 ft)
Scanner Absorber Absorber Kit (305 mm (12 in.) pyramidal cone), Flat
Probe Optional
RF Cables 20 GHz RF Cables
Rotary Joints Qty. 3 - DC-26.5 GHz, (Azimuth, Roll, Pol)
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 100-240 VAC switchable, 50/60 Hz, 500 watts
The Spherical Near-Field Arch Roll Scanner consists of an arch roll scanner with scanning radius of 2.4 m (8 ft). The phi rotator can operate at speeds up to 30°/s.