Anechoic Range Design For Electromagnetic Measurements

Book excerpt: As technologies for wireless communications, including 5G and Internet of Things (IoT), require more complex antennas, practitioners need more information on the best methods to perform measurements on these different types of antennas. This exciting resource provides guidance on the proper design of indoor ranges for RF antenna measurements. The important aspects of specifying the range or resources needed in a development program are explored. Analysis of existing ranges to determine their suitability for performing specific test that a user of the range may require is also introduced. Readers find in-depth coverage of the design of ranges and how to evaluate the error contributions of the range and the best approach to measure a system, antenna, or other radiating hardware. The book provides information on selecting the right range to make a specific type of measurement and understanding for an RF absorber. Matlab scripts are also included to help readers estimate the performance of an RF absorber. Readers will be able to estimate the required space for a given type of measurement, as well as identify what type of range is the better choice, based on physical limitations and economics. Simple rules for the design of an anechoic chamber, based on the required accuracy and parameters to be measured are described. Packed with examples and references, this book is a prime reference for any practitioner that uses or designs facilities for the measurement of electromagnetic energy.