Abstract
•An apparatus for millimeter-wave antenna radiation pattern measurements is presented.•The apparatus uses a micro-positioning system, horn antenna, and a Network Analyzer.•A software is used for real time micro-positioning and data acquisition/analysis.•Radiation patterns can be measured in co- and cross-polarization orientations.•A 90% agreement between measured and simulated radiation pattern data is achieved.
A multi-option, low-cost, and user-friendly radiation pattern measurement apparatus operative up to the 67 GHz millimeter-wave (MMW) band is presented in this study. The proposed apparatus is distinctly designed, with multiple parameters optimized for radiation pattern measurements at the Ka, Q, and V MMW bands. The transmit antenna, a standard gain horn, is mounted over a fixed stage. The antenna under test (AUT) is mounted on a micro-positioning stage to facilitate angular-dependent received power measurements. The positioning stage is controlled electronically, which allows precise motion along the φ-plane of the cylindrical-axis. Distinct mechanical fixtures are used to enable the mounting of the AUT at various orientations for the purpose of measuring the broadside and end-fire antenna radiation characteristics. Furthermore, polarization-dependent measurements are enabled by changing the orientation of the transmitting antenna using waveguide twists. The hardware and software components are integrated to enable the automation of the mechanical micro-positioning/rotational system and data acquisition using a vector network analyzer operating up to 67 GHz. A user-friendly graphical user interface is developed for electromechanical control, data acquisition, and post analysis of the AUTs’ radiation parameters. All the operations are sequentially connected to enable operation in a closed loop manner.