Improvement of calibration methods for antenna efficieny using reverberation chambers

Purpose and goal:

Within today´s testing, for example within EMC testing, more and more will begin to use testing in Reverberation Chambers (RC) as an alternative. One necessary parameter is antenna efficiency (AE). From a previous RMP FoU-projekt, RMP HF has a method for calibrating antenna efficiency using a RC.

However, this method has certain limitations and would need to be updated to better meet future eligibility requirements from the industry. The goal of the project is 1) an improved method for (AE) that meets these requirements and 2) utilize this in the method for probe calibration in RC. Expected results and effects:

The project has several expected results. These are, 1) to be able to offer Swedish industry calibration services for, mainly antenna efficiency and 2) improved calibration of electric field probes in reverberation chambers. By being able to expand thefrequency range, it will be possible to cover more types of communication antennas, for example those for mobile communication within LTE, but also future products within 5G.

För RMP HF, the project also aim to increase the knowledge in the area of reverberation chambers, but also to improve the mentioned calibration services. Approach and implementation: To get a clearer overview, the project is divided into a number of work packages. WP1:Method development for antenna efficiency.

WP2 Measurement setup, instrumentation.

WP3 Development of software for automatic control, instrument management and data processing for uncertainty calculations. WP4 Measurement uncertainty analysis and impact on uncertainty budgets with implementation of the method. WP5 Implementation of new method for antenna efficiency in method for probe calibration.

WP6 Dokumentation of both methods including each respective measurement uncertainties