Programme

Session 1: Antenna Fundamentals

Provide an introduction to antennas and EM radiation highlighting the important properties that are typically measured.

Session 2: Intro to Antenna Measurements

Introduce antenna measurements and antenna measurement systems.

Session 3: Planar near-field Theory (measurement view)

Provide a thorough grounding in standard planar near-field theory, the near-field to far-field transformation, and aperture diagnostics.

Session 4: Coordinate systems and polarisation bases

Provide a broad coverage of the measurement coordinate systems and polarisation bases that are most widely used in modern antenna measurements including discussing conversions between them and antenna pattern rotations.

Session 5: Gain measurement

Provide an overview of gain and efficiency measurements covering all the main methods in common use today.

Session 6: Probes for antenna measurements

Provide an overview of probe all the most commonly used near-field probes together with a discussion of when to use them, how to calibrate them, and what errors they can give rise to.

Session 7: Compact Antenna Test Ranges

Introduces Compact Antenna Test Ranges, the principles of their operation, important design aspects and the way in which they are modelled, optimised, verified and used for far-field antenna pattern measurements.

Session 8: Cylindrical Near-Field Theory

Provides a through grounding in standard cylindrical near-field theory, the cylindrical near-field to far-field transform and good practice for taking cylindrical near-field measurements.

Session 9: Spherical Near-Field Theory

Provides a through grounding in standard spherical near-field theory, the spherical near-field to far-field transform and good practice for taking spherical near-field measurements.

Session 10: Advanced antenna measurements

Gives a through introduction to range assessments and uncertainty focussing on the planar near-field case.

Session 11: Range assessments and error budgets

Introduces some more recent advanced techniques including scattering suppression, phase retrieval, non-canonical transformations, and compressive sensing.

Session 12: New applications

Considers several new applications involving the use of multi-axis industrial robots, UAV drones, and the utility of the digital twin and CEM simulation.

Trade study by Dennis Lewis, Technical Fellow at Boeing
Multi-Purpose Robotic Antenna Measurement System

This trade study examines the benefits of utilising multi-axis robotic positioners in modern antenna test facilities. Unlike traditional facilities with fixed measurement geometries, these robotic systems offer a high degree of re-configurability, enabling various measurement types and scan geometries.

This flexibility necessitates the evaluation of each unique setup and application, presenting opportunities for improved safety, measurement quality, and reduced uncertainties. The advanced data acquisition capabilities of these robotic systems allow for the implementation of advanced post-processing techniques. Additionally, the use of Model-Based Systems Engineering and Development (MBSE/MBD) approaches can significantly reduce the time, effort, and cost associated with test development and validation phases.

MBSE tools can optimise test configurations, minimising measurement uncertainties and enabling simulation of measurements. This trade study provides an overview of how these engineering techniques are applied in the implementation of a new dual multi-axis robotic antenna test system.

Optional visit to Antennas Measurement Lab at Queen Mary University London, followed by lunch and networking.

Provides visibility of one of the most advanced antenna laboratories in university use today enabling attendees to see a wide range of different antenna measurement systems and related technologies.