AMTA Paper Archive


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AMTA Paper Archive

Millimeter wave antenna measurements
M. S. Morse (Boeing Aerospace Company), November 1984

Millimeter wave antenna measurements are hampered by a lack of cost effective automated test equipment and the necessity of using unwieldy waveguide set-ups. This paper describes some practical considerations in using readily available test equipment to perform accurate, repeatable antenna measurements. Experimental results of gain, polarization and sidelobe level measurements will be discussed and compared with calculated results.

Design and Calibration of Standard Gain Horns in the 200-400 MHz Range
J.G. Dumoulin (Canada Dept. of Commerce), November 1984

Paper not available for presentation.

High speed measurement receiver
E. Nordell (Rome Research Corp.),E. Hjort (RADC), R. Dyger (Rome Research Corp.), November 1984

This paper describes a digitally controlled receiver-recorder capable of time division multiplexing in the frequency domain at a 400 KHz rate and in the amplitude domain at a 20 MHz rate. Good sensitivity and interference rejection are other features of this receiver which operates over the 2-18 GHz band. It is utilized to obtain a measure of antennas performance as impacted by air frames upon which the antenna(s) are mounted.

VHF antenna range design
C. J. Chen (Rockwell International Corp.), November 1984

The design concept for outdoor antenna ranges operated at frequency 50 MHz is discussed. The antenna range is designed for test of VHF antennas mounted on a full-scale satellite mockup. Due to the large size of test objects, a tradeoff between cost and test accuracy among carious range configurations is addressed. Due to near-omni directional characteristics of test antennas, the multipath interference may be severe. The interference ground reflection, surface wave and multiple scattering are quantified and evaluated.

Automated wideband, phase coherent polarimetric radar cross section measurements
T.K. Pollack (Teledyne Micronetics), November 1984

This paper describes the equipment, mechanics and methods of one of the outdoor ranges at Teledyne Micronetics. A computer controlled microwave transceiver uses pulsed CW over a frequency range of 2-18 GHz to measure the amplitude, phase and polarization of the signal reflected off the target. The range geometry, calibration and analysis techniques are used to optimize measurement accuracy and characterize the target as a set of subscatterers.

A Broadband RCS measurement system
R. P. Flam,R.E. Hartman, November 1984

The fast fourier transform capabilities of the Hewlett-Packard 8510 Network Analyzer provide the basis for an RCS measurement system covering the 50 MHz to 26 GHz frequency range. When used in the broadband mode, fine range resolution is achieved. Vector subtraction and gating capabilities permit the acquisition of accurate data in the presence of strong range reflections. Combining this instrument with a high speed data collection and analysis system yields a powerful RCS measurement capability.

Polarization correction of spherical near-field data
J.R. Jones (Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.),D.W. Hess (Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.), November 1984

This paper describes the relationship of probe polarization correction to probe-pattern corrected and non-probe-pattern-corrected spherical near-field measurements. A method for reducing three-antenna polarization data to a form useful for polarization correction is presented. The results of three-antenna measurements and the effects of polarization correction on spherical near-field measurements are presented.

Planar Near-Field Measurements Using Hexagonal Sampling
L.E. Corey (Georgia Institute of Technology),E. B. Joy (Georgia Institute of Technology), November 1984

This paper describes a new planar near-field measurement technique in which near-field data is collected in a hexagonal rather than a rectangular format. It is shown that the hexagonal method is more efficient than the rectangular technique in that a lower sampling density is required and the hexagonally shaped measurement surface is more compatible with most antenna apertures than the conventional rectangular measurement surface.

A Dual shaped compact range for EHF antenna measurements
J.K. Conn (Harris Corporation),C. L. Armstrong (Harris Corporation), L. S. Gans (Harris Corporation), November 1984

A dual offset shaped reflector compact range is described. Improvements over the traditional single reflector, apex-fed compact range are outlined and discussed. A design plan for a dual offset shaped reflector compact range for EHF antenna measurement is presented.

Cylindrical near field test facility for UHF Television Transmitting Antennas
J.A. Donovan (Harris Corporation),E.B. Joy (Georgia Institute of Technology), November 1984

This paper describes a horizontal, cylindrical surface, near-field measurement facility which was designed and constructed in 1984 and is used for the determination of far field patterns from near field measurement of UHF television transmitting antennas. The facility is also used in antenna production as a diagnostic and alignment tool.

Structural Design of a vertical antenna boresight 18.3- by 18.3-M planar near-field antenna measurement system
G. R. Sharp (NASA),P. A. Trimarchi (NASA) J.S. Wanhainen (NASA), November 1984

The near-field antenna testing technique is now an established testing approach. It is based on the work done over a twenty-year period by the National Bureau of Standards (Boulder, Colorado), The Georgia Institute of Technology and others. The near-field technique is used for large aperture, high frequency antennas where the antenna to probe separation necessary to test in the far-field of the antenna is prohibitively large.

RCS Measurements with the HP8510 Network Analyzer
J. Boyles (Hewlett-Packard Company), November 1984

Paper not available for presentation.

Extension of the extrapolation method for accurate swept frequency antenna gain calibrations
A. Newell (National Bureau of Standards),A. Repjar (National Bureau of Standards), S.B. Kilgore (National Bureau of Standards), November 1984

For approximately 10 years the National Bureau of Standards has used the Extrapolation Technique (A. C. Newell, et al., IEEE Trans. Ant. & Prop., AP-21, 418-431, 1973) for accurately calibrating transfer standard antennas (on-axis gain and polarization). The method utilizes a generalized three-antenns approach which does not require quantitative a priori knowledge of the antennas. Its main advantages are its accuracy and generality. This is essentially no upper frequency limit and it can be applied, in principle, to any type of antenna, although some directivity is desirable to reduce multipath interence.

Real time remote data gathering
D. Kadron (Westinghouse Electric Corporation), November 1984

The ability to gather real-time data from a remote site is of significant value in the far-field test of large scale non-reciprocal antenna arrays. With the advent of microprocessors, digitally controlled test equipment, and high speed data links, what was once impossible has not only become feasible but also economically realizable. This paper discusses the design of a remote data-gathering capability currently on-line at the Westinghouse Ridge Road Antenna Range. The system described is a computer-controlled phase and amplitude measuring technique remoted over a 1/3 mile range with a 56K baud fiber-optics data link. Considerations of system configuration, timing, protocol, error-detection and self-diagnostics are discussed.

Options and considerations for the design of computer aided antenna measurement systems
S. Mishra (National Research Council),J. Hazell (National Research Council), November 1984

Rapid advances in digital and micro-computer technology have revolutionized automated control of most measurement processes and the techniques for analysis, storage and presentation of the resulting data. Present-day computer capabilities offer many “user-friendly” options for antenna instrumentation, some of which have yet to be exploited to their full potential. These range from vendor-integrated turnkey systems to innovative designs employing a multitude of subsystem components in custom-interfaced configurations. This paper reviews system and component choices keeping in mind their relative merits and trade-offs. Key design considerations are outlined with particular emphasis on: a) Integration and interfacing of different instrumentation, hardware and software subsystems. b) Upgrading and/or designing of completely new facilities. Various other problems, such as vendor package compatability, and those associated with the analysis and application of measured antenna data are discussed. In addition, suggestions are offered to promote the establishment of a mechanism to facilitate the interchange of data between different antenna measurement laboratories and analysis centres.

Extension of plane wave scattering matrix theory of antenna-antenna interactions to three antennas: A Near-Field Radar Cross Section Concept
M. A. Dinallo (The BDM Corporation), November 1984

This paper presents a three-antenna plane-wave scattering-matrix (PWSM) formulation and a formal solution. An example will be demonstrated in which two of the three antennas are electromagnetically identical (the transmitter and the receiver) and the third (the scatterer) has arbitrary electromagnetic properties. A reduced reflection integral-matrix will be discussed which describes the transmit, scatter, receive (TSR) interaction. An antenna scatterer spectral tensor Greens function is identified. In this formulation the transmit spectrum will be scattered by the third arbitrary antenna (target) and this scattered spectrum may be considered to have originated from a transmitting antenna. Near-field antenna measurement techniques are applicable with determine the electric (scattered) field spectral density function.1, 2 If a second deconvolution is applied, a transmit probe corrected spectral density function or scattering tensor can be determined in principle. In either case, a near- or far-electric field can be calculated and a radar cross section determined.

A High speed, high accuracy position indicator
S. Nichols (Scientific-Atlanta), November 1984

One of the variables to be quantified when making antenna measurements is position. Without accurate and timely position information, the spatially dependent data cannot be correctly interpreted. Scientific-Atlanta’s 1885 Positioner Indicator and 1886 Position Data Processor offer several improvements in providing position information which can enhance an antenna measurement system. New position indicating techniques have been implemented to allow a higher degree of accuracy and speed than previously attainable. These have been combined with advanced features for automatic system flexibility to create a high performance instrument for many applications. This paper describes the capabilities of these two instruments and how they can be used to improve system performance.

Complete RF qualification of a large helical space antenna
J. Whelpton (Canadian Astronautics Limited),J. G. Dumoulin (Canadian Astronautics Limited), N. Sultan (Canadian Astronautics Limited), R. Cote (Canadian Astronautics Limited), M. M. Moody (Canadian Astronautics Limited), November 1984

The complete sequence of RF tests required to evaluate the electrical performance of a broad band UHF helix antenna to be used in the zero gravity environment of space is described. The development of an adequate structure which would support the antenna and yet cause no pattern perturbation is mentioned. The test range configuration used, with the UHF antenna inside and anechoic chamber and the source antenna illuminating it through a polyfoam window in one side, is discussed. The problems encountered in taking radiation pattern plots and in making gain measurements using a gain standard near the low frequency limit, 250 MHz, of the antenna test range and the methods utilized to minimize their effect are given in some detail.

Communication satellite antenna measurement
C. Renton (RCA), November 1984

RCA-Astro Electronics in Princeton, N.J. designs, develops and tests multiple-beam offset reflector antenna systems in the C and Ku frequency bands for satellite communications. Antenna measurements are performed at the antenna subsystem and the system level and on the complete spacecraft to demonstrate that alignment and performance meet their specification. This paper discussed the antenna range designs and test techniques involved in data acquisitions for contour patterns, cross-polarization isolation and antenna gain characterization. A description of the software required to obtain, analyze and present the data will be included in addition to typical test results.

Satellite near field test facility
R.D. Ward (Hughes Aircraft Company), November 1984

The paper describes a near field facility developed at Hughes Aircraft Space and Communications Group for the purpose of performing measurements on satellite antennas. The facility is designed for planar near field scanning with capability for adding cylindrical scanning. The facility has a scanner with a 21 foot square range and is capable of measuring large antennas with operating frequencies up to 15 GHZ. The measurement system is designed for testing multi-beam, multi-frequency antennas. Data collection, scan control and data analysis functions are all controlled by a single computer system. Growth plans include the addition of an array processor for the ability to perform Fast Fourier Transforms in near real time. Results for the antennas which have been measured will be shown along with far field range data for comparison.







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