Ludovic Durand

Feasibility of indoor spherical near field antenna measurement facility in VHF range

This paper details a study on the feasibility of an indoor antenna spherical near field measurement system in VHF range. Any constraints in terms of manufacturing or building are taken into account. Only electromagnetic and mechanical aspects required for antenna characterization are analyzed in order to appreciate such a measurement facility. After introduction on measurement needs in low VHF range, authors focus on ferrite performances analyses. Then a complete reflectivity analysis is done for each constituting elements of the facility. Finally is provided a global budget error to appreciate the feasibility of the antenna measurement system and prospects axes are discussed.

A novel and innovative near field system for testing radomes of commercial aircrafts

Current techniques for testing of aircraft radomes are time consuming, not as precise as desired, and requires dedicated far field test range, compact test range, or anechoic chamber, or other specific systems for measuring one or other of the parameters. To overcome all these limitations, and to obtain a unique system for a complete diagnosis, a novel technique of radome characterization is proposed and detailed in this article. Based on a Near-Field network of probes placed in the vicinity of the radome under test, this innovative Near-Field measurement system is fully compliant with the updated standard RTCA/DO213A and leads to accurate evaluation of many parameters such as transmission efficiency and beamwidth, while reducing the measurement time required.