The near-field antenna test range is a very compact and advanced antenna measurement facility. In an anechoic chamber, antennas and antenna systems can be analysed by measuring the electromagnetic near-field by a moving probe. The antenna under test (AUT) is fixed on a stationary mount and a near field probe, a short distance from the AUT is moved along a flat surface.

On the system computer, the collected near field data is transformed to a far field antenna pattern. Not only antenna patterns but also antenna polarisation errors, directivity and antenna gain can be measured with this system. Quite zones in the 4(w)x6(l)x4(h) meter test chamber are realized by the Emerson& Cuming absorber. The high sensitive receiver and the low noise level guarantee a large dynamic range in the measurement results. Eight near field measurement probes are available, covering a frequency range from 750 MHz to 15 GHz.

Various data presentations in the software are available for the antenna research and development work.

Near field technical information and specifications  

Measurement technique	Planar near field
Anechoic test range (WxLxH)	4x6x4 meter
Manufacturer	Nearfield Systems Inc. (NSI)
Model	300V-8x8
AUT Z-axis travel (manual)	2 meter
Probe Z-axis adjustment (automatic)	100 mm
Scanning surface	2.4 x 2.4 meter (8' x 8' )
Planarity	0.076 mm RMS
Step resolution	0.025 mm
Scan speed	0.25m/s
Measurement frequency range	0.75 - 15 GHz
Receiver	HP 8720D
Measurement probes	WR975 (0.75 - 1.12 GHz) WR650 (1.12 - 1.70 GHz) WR430 (1.70 - 2.60 GHz) WR284 (2.60 - 3.95 GHz) WR187 (3.95 - 5.85 GHz) WR137 (5.85 - 8.20 GHz) WR112 (7.05 - 10.0 GHz) WR75 (10.0 - 15.0 GHz)
AUT lift facility	manual
AUT maximum weight	500 Kg
Control and data acquisition station	Windows based PC including script option