Description

The Anechoic Chamber provides a versatile state-of-the-art testing environment for antennas, wireless communication/localizations systems and EMI/EMC (Electromagnetic Interference/ Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing. Automated full 3D radiation pattern measurements of passive, active and opto-electrical antenna systems are possible from 750 MHz up to 170 GHz. In addition, we are fully equipped to carry out system-oriented over-the-air measurements of fully-integrated wireless communication and localization systems. In-depth link and channel characterization and EMI/EMC assessment of next-generation systems also belong to our expertise.

Measurement capabilities

Our state-of-the-art Anechoic Chamber offer a comprehensive solution for assessing antenna performance and system integration across various frequency ranges.

We provide precise measurements for:

• Reflection Coefficients: We provide precise reflection coefficient measurements to analyze and enhance the performance and reliability of your RF and/or microwave systems.

• Full 3D Antenna Patterns: Our facility enables accurate measurements of the full 3D antenna pattern in the near field (1-50 GHz) and in the far field (1-170 GHz). These measurements are crucial for understanding how antennas radiate or receive electromagnetic waves in different directions and polarizations.

• Integrated Antennas: Our expertise extends to the evaluation of integrated antennas (e.g. Antenna-in-Package). We measure 2D cuts of these antennas, allowing for a clear visualization of their radiation properties. This analysis is instrumental in optimizing the performance of compact and multifunctional antenna systems.

• System-Oriented Parameters: In addition to basic antenna measurements, we assess system-oriented parameters. This includes the evaluation of orientation-specific pulse distortion and distance estimation error. These parameters are critical for UWB applications that demand precise distance measurements.

By utilizing our measurement capabilities, you can ensure that your UWB antenna systems and integrated designs meet the highest standards of performance and reliability, enabling the success of your projects and applications.

Infrastructure and equipment description

The central infrastructure of the Anechoic Chamber consists of two full anechoic chambers, supporting standardized measurements:

• Anechoic chamber 1 (outer dimensions 8.1m x 3.9m x 3.6m, Siepel) features a quiet zone diameter of 1m, a measurement distance of up to 5 m and is equipped with the NSI-700S-30 Spherical Near-Field Measurement System, enabling near field (ideal for electrically large antennas) and farfield measurements from 750 MHz up to 170 GHz.
• Anechoic chamber 2 (outer dimensions 6.2m x 3.8m x 3.6m, Siepel) features a quiet zone diameter of 0.5m, a measurement distance of up to 3 m and is equipped with an Orbit FR Positioning System (Orbit/FR AL-360-1P) for measurements from 750 MHz up to 6 GHz. On-body measurements are also supported.

A Faraday measurement chamber of 16m2 is installed adjacent to anechoic chamber 1. Inside, the control system of the NSI-700S-30 system is installed, as well as:

• a Keysight PNAx N5242B 4-port network analyzer up to 26.5 GHz, which can be employed separately as well as in combination with the NSI-700S-30 system.
• VDI range extenders (compatible with the N5242B):
  • WRE 12e: 55-96 GHz: through-reflect antenna radiation pattern measurements and OTA wireless communication measurements
    • 1x VDI TxRx mini (Keysight N5262BW12-STD)
    • 1x VDI CCU mini (Keysight N9029ACST-U12)
    • 1x VDI Rx-HS-HBW micro
  • WRE 6.5: 110-170 GHz Full two-port antenna radiation pattern measurements
    • 2 x VDI TxRx mini (Keysight N5262BW06)
• a Keysight PNA E8364B (shared with CMST) 2-port network analyzer up to 50 GHz.

Anechoic chamber 1 and Faraday measurement chamber	Interior of anechoic chamber 1

Other supporting test equipment is available for relevant experimentation and testing:

• Keysight N9918A FieldFox 2-port Handheld Analyzer up to 26.5 GHz
• Scientific Atlanta & NSI-MI Technologies Standard Gain Horns
• Rohde & Schwarz ZVRE 2-port network analyzer up to 4 GHz
• Rohde & Schwarz FSV40 Spectrum Analyzer with external 60GHz mixer
• Keysight M8196A AWG (shared with Design Lab and PRG) up to 92 GSa/s
• Keysight M8195A AWG (shared with Design Lab and PRG) up to 65 GSa/s
• Keysight Real-Time Oscilloscope (DSAZ634A) (shared with Design Lab and PRG) up to 160 GSa/s
• 8x NI USRP-2943R Software Defined Radio from 1.2 to 6 GHz