AMS-8100 Antenna Measurement System

Rectangular Chamber

The AMS-8100 is a rectangular chamber; it is fully-lined with anechoic absorber and designed to provide far-field measurements at a nominal separation distance of 2.74 m (9 ft) . The AMS-8100 includes an ETS-Lindgren 3164-08 open-boundary quad-ridged horn antenna and associated RF-cabling. Extension to higher frequencies is possible by adding optional antennas. Extension of the lower frequency range is possible using other ETS-Lindgren Antenna Measurement Systems and configurations.

Multi-Axis Positioner System (MAPS)

The Multi-axis Positioning System (MAPS) rotates the device under test (DUT) around two orthogonal axes for full spherical coverage. To minimize measurement errors, the vertical support structures are constructed from low-density dielectric material to provide RF transparency during the measurement.

Instrumentation

The system can be configured to perform antenna measurements using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). With a VNA, a signal generator and multi-channel receivers are integrated into a single unit with phase lock for both amplitude and phase measurements. Using a properly configured VNA and dual-polarized antenna, both polarizations can be measured simultaneously. Otherwise, an automated RF switch or mechanical polarization control is required to change polarization at each data point. Antenna tests can be performed on stand-alone antennas or on the built-in antenna of a mobile handset or similar embedded device prior to the integration of the RF module.

EMQuest Data Acquisition and Analysis Software

ETS-Lindgren's EMQuest Antenna Measurement Software supports data acquisition in either the great circle-cut or conical-cut test sequence to perform full spherical antenna measurements for Instruments Under Test (IUTs) in either transmit or receive mode. Advanced graphic capabilities allow acquired data to be displayed in a variety of 2D and 3D formats. Tabular data can be exported to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Reports can be exported to PDF files, or saved in RTF format for import to Microsoft Word.

Integration

ETS-Lindgren provides custom field installation of the chamber, positioner, antenna, rack with RF cable circuitry and the antenna measurement software.

Training

ETS-Lindgren provides training on operation of the positioner device, controller, and the test and measurement software. The training package will also provide a generic theoretical review of antenna measurement principles.