A Portable Compact Range-based Antenna Measurement System From: | April 2005 | by ORBIT/FR - Europe GmbH When measuring small production antennas and antenna-based assemblies, as well as for the development of millimeter-wave antennas, a requirement exists for a measurement system that is not only small but also fully portable. Designed to fulfill these needs is ORBIT/FR’s Mini-Compact Range Chamber, which is a portable test facility that incorporates a ‘mini-compact range’ reflector system featuring a rolled edge design with a nominal 12-inch diameter quiet zone. What’s more, the range has been designed for easy transportation between production locations for efficient test asset utilization. Main Design Features The design is such that the compact range is integrally mounted into a portable anechoic chamber assembly that is 60 inches high, 52 inches wide and 84 inches long. The chamber features a ‘hatch’ type opening that allows easy access inside the chamber interior, and the entire assembly is easily moved on a built-in set of casters. An AL-060-1P miniature positioner allows for feed polarization adjustment, and an AL-160-1 positioner provides azimuth rotation for the antenna under test. Corrugated feeds facilitate precise control of the reflector illumination within the small chamber assembly resulting in excellent quiet zone performance. The integrated facility utilizes the Agilent Performance Network Analyzer (PNA) and the 959Spectrum or MiDAS Antenna Measurement Workstation to provide a complete small antenna, high frequency measurement solution.
