Product introduction

compact antenna test range

A Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) allows electrically large antennas to be measured at a significantly shorter distance than would be necessary in a traditional far-field test range. Compact ranges use a source antenna (feed) to radiate a spherical wave in the direction of a parabolic reflector, collimating it into a planar wave for aperture illumination of a Device under Test (DUT). It's lowest operational frequency is determined by the size of the reflector, its edge treatment and the absorbers. The two edge treatments available are serrated edge for general purpose applications, and rolled edge to achieve higher accuracy for special applications. Multiple-feed systems may be used to improve the far-?eld characteristics. A compact range test system also allows system level testing of a complete device architecture.

Antenna measurements in the far-field require that the antenna  under test (AUT) be illuminated by a uniform plane wave.  To achieve this uniform plane wave illumination, a very large distance between the antenna and the measurement source antenna is usually required. A compact antenna test range creates a plane wave field at distances considerably shorter than those needed under conventional far-field criteria. This shorter distance allows a compact range to be conveniently located near test or integration facilities and by placing it in a shielded anechoic chamber, interferences from external sources can be eliminated. The enclosed system is equally protected from weather conditions, and confidential information is better secured. Careful analysis of requirements and implementation of the appropriate compact range system within an efficiently sized anechoic chamber can result in a high performance test zone and optimized test results.
Over 16 years of engineering know-how goes into the design and manufacturing of compact range systems from ANTLAB. This expertise carries through from the project analysis phase to implementation and installation. Precision, accuracy, and state-of-the-art technique are in every piece of equipment we build, with proven results in the numerous systems continuously in use today.
the Compact Range Systems and Solutions offered by ANTLAB. Inside you'll find information on compact range subsystems, advantages of compact ranges, and guidelines for standard compact range solutions. Precision installation, alignment, and field probe verification of quiet zone quality are all services provided as standard elements of compact range systems.The information in this brochure is non-exhaustive. We encourage you to contact our Sales team to discuss options and solutions to best meet your requirements.