Antenna testing

Far-field range Originally established in 1987 and extensively re-equipped in 2003, Cobham Technical Services’ outdoor elevated antenna test range is a versatile general-purpose facility for measuring antenna performance in the far field. Test signals are transmitted from a roof-top installation 220m away, equipped with a family of antennas, interchangeable feeds, remote-controlled RF switches and remote-controlled polarisation positioners providing linearly-polarised and circularly-polarised signals in the frequency range 3.4 to 50 GHz.   At the receive end of the test range, a dedicated permanently-installed hoist brings the 3-axis test positioner to ground level for antenna loading. The antenna-under-test and positioner are then raised and moved into the measuring position, which provides full access to the antenna during test procedures.   Following two major upgrades, the antenna test range capabilities have been improved and extended. The facility now includes comprehensive data collection and processing tools using a combination of proprietary and commercial software that facilitates production of hard copy reports and delivery of test result data in digital form.

Planar near-field scanner Facilities include a 2.4m x 2.4m NSI planar scanner located within permanent air-conditioned accommodation.   This general-purpose facility operates within the frequency range 3.4 GHz to 50 GHz and provides the capability to record, transform and analyse radiation characteristics not readily obtained from far-field data.   The protected indoor environment allows measurements to proceed regardless of weather conditions, accomodating antennas that are unsuitable for outdoor usage.

Vector network analysers

Vector network analysers are available for measurements at frequencies up to 65 GHz, for both development and production testing.