Measuring antenna ranges with collimator mirror

In the compact range, a uniform plane wave is generated by a large parabolic reflector – collimator. The parabolic reflector provides the means to convert a spherical phase front from the feed into a planar phase front close to its aperture. The testing antenna is located near the aperture of the reflector in order to be illuminated by a uniform plane wave.

A compact range creates a plane wave field at distances considerably shorter than those needed under conventional Far-Field criteria. The required compact range is usually so short that the implementation can be
accomplished indoors.

Locating the test zone at the appropriate distance from the reflector provides a high quality plane wave illumination with relatively uniform amplitude and phase.

Measurement parameters:

Amplitude pattern
Phase pattern
Gain
Polarization
Position phase center

Major elements:

UWB programmed stroboscopic receiver in standard 19-inch package Ulta short pulse generator
Programmed positioner
Transmitting antennas set
Reference antennas set
Windows® operating system 9x/Me/XP/2000

Technical characteristics

Parameter name	Parameter meaning
Operating frequancy	200 MHz-18 GHz (30, 40 GHz)
Amplitude range	>76 dB (>90 dB with interpolation)
Amplitude pattern and Gain measurement accuracy:	—
-in range to -25dB	< 0,35 dB
-in range to -40dB	< 0,5 dB
Phase pattern measurement accuracy:	—
— in range to -25 dB	< 3,5°
— in range to -40 dB	< 5°
Operating zone	2,5 х 2,5 m
Angular resolution	2 angular minutes
Load on the positioner	to 500 kg
Amplitude pattern and Phase pattern measurement time at one place angle	from 1 minute