Specifications

When designing an antenna measurement system, there are many parameters that must

be considered in order to select the optimum equipment. Begin by considering the

components for the transmit site, then move to the receive site. Designing a complete

antenna system often requires you to configure the transmit site, then the receive site,

and then make adjustments to the transmit site and recalculate the values for

optimum performance.

Transmit site configuration

Figure 14. Transmit site configuration.

Select the transmit source

In selecting the transmit source, consider the frequency range of the antenna under

test, the distance to the transmit antenna, the available power of the source, and the

speed requirements for the measurements. For compact ranges and near-field ranges,

the internal PNA source will typically be the best source to meet your measurement

needs. The internal source is faster than an external source and may lower the cost

ofthecompletesystembyeliminatingasource.Largeoutdoorrangesmayrequirean

external source that can be placed at a remote transmit site.

Will a transmit amplifier be used?

Begin by making your power calculations without an amplifier. If after doing the power

calculations the transmit power is not high enough, then add an amplifier and run the

calculations again.

3. Antenna

measurement

design

considerations

Transmit antenna

Optional

ampliﬁer

MXG synthesized source or internal PNA source

amp