ESTEC Mini Compact Antenna Test Range

摘要

The ESTEC Mini Compact Antenna Test Range (Mini CATR) facility makes it possible to test full size antennas (up to 1.5 m) indoors in a relatively small space. A dual reflector system produces an incident plane wave so that the far field results are obtained in a relatively short distance. The operation of the Mini CATR is based on the characteristics of two parabolic reflectors. Since the operation of the reflectors is based on physical optics, it is quite independent of frequency. The RF energy from an antenna feed is collimated into a plane wave by the dual reflector system. To achieve the desired plane wave, the test room is lined with microwave absorber. The chamber is also RF-shielded to prevent influence from outside sources. The Mini CATR may be used for measurements of antenna patterns, gain, directivity, polarization, phase, boresight, radar cross section, as well as measurement of small payload performances like EIRP, G/T, and interference between beams.