Full Wave Simulation of Compensated Compact Ranges at Lower Frequencies
A. Geise, J. Migl, J. Hartmann and H.-J. Steiner
Astrium
Compact test ranges have proven their applicability for highly accurate antenna measurements. So far, simulation tools have been used for the design based on physical optics or other asymptotic methods like geometrical optics. Though these methods give reliable answers to the large scale problem at higher frequencies, their inherent approximated approach is not applicable at UHF frequencies. Following up the investigations of S.Brumley [1] on the quiet zone assessment, now full wave simulation are utilized to analyze the aperture near field. Implementing a precise model from CAD together with nowadays processing power provide insights into the 3D near field propagation. In the first part of the contribution the simulation setup of compensated compact ranges is described. The Multilevel Fast Multipole Method (MLFMM) can be efficiently employed for frequencies up to C-band. In the second part of the paper the field distribution is investigated for horizontal and vertical feed antenna excitation. Diffraction effects of edge serrations and their influence on the plane wave quality are outlined. Apart from the theoretical point of view it is discussed how to deal with low frequency effects under practical considerations, e.g. moving the DUT positioner toward the main reflector might be limited. Thus the measurement performance has to be evaluated w.r.t. typical test range conditions.
Proc. AMTA
2011
October
454-458
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