Introduction To Common Earth Station Antenna Testing Methods Introduction To Common Earth Station Antenna Testing Methods

Earth Station Antenna are important components for radiating and receiving wireless signals. After they are designed, they need to be tested to determine whether their performance meets the design requirements. So how is the Earth Station Antenna performance test conducted? What professional testing equipment is needed in the test? By testing the electrical performance of the antenna, you can understand the performance and electromagnetic interference of the antenna and improve the accuracy and reliability of the antenna test. This article will mainly introduce several key performance indicators of the antenna: radiation patterns, gain, antenna polarization/bandwidth, and standing wave ratio(VSWR). The following will take you to a deeper understanding.

Testing methods of Earth Station Antenna parameters

1.1 Earth Station Antenna Radiation Pattern Testing

– Far-Field Measurement: Measures the radiation pattern of the antenna at a distance where the dimensions of the antenna are small compared to the distance. This helps in determining the directionality and gain.

– Near-Field Measurement: Conducted closer to the antenna to capture more detailed patterns and characteristics, which can then be extrapolated to far-field patterns.

Measure it by using the corresponding band of the synchronous satellite beacon to do the pattern.

Fig.1 Block diagram of Pattern measurement

Azimuth and Elevation Radiation Pattern of 7.3m receive only antenna

1.2. Gain Measurement

– Absolute Gain Measurement: Determines the antenna’s ability to receive or transmit signals compared to an isotropic radiator.

– Relative Gain Measurement: Compares the performance of the antenna against a standard or reference antenna.

Calculate G/T value by the G and T value obtained by the above method.

In which, G is the antenna Gain, its unit is dB

T is noise temperature of receiving system, that is TA，its unit is °K

LF is the Feeder loss, and its unit is dB

1.3. Polarization Testing

– Linear Polarization: Measures the antenna’s response to signals polarized in a single plane.

– Circular Polarization: Assesses the antenna’s ability to handle signals that rotate in a circular pattern.

1.4. Bandwidth Testing

– Evaluates the range of frequencies over which the antenna performs effectively. This is important to ensure that the antenna operates well within the required frequency bands for satellite communication.

1.5. Return Loss and VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio)

– Measures how much of the signal is reflected back due to impedance mismatches. A low return loss and a low VSWR indicate good impedance matching and efficient signal transmission.

1.6 Noise Temperature testing

Test the antenna noise temperature by “Y” factor. Connect LNA with antenna system of standard load in normal temperature and the antenna system of pointing to a better environment separately, test “Y” factor of the antenna system and obtain the noise temperature of the system. Test block diagram of “Y” factor is shown in Fig.2

2. Testing Equipment of Earth Station Antenna

– Network Analyzers: Used for measuring return loss, VSWR, and impedance.

– Anechoic Chambers: Specially designed rooms to measure antenna performance without interference from external signals.

– Field Strength Meters: Measure the strength of the signal in the environment to evaluate antenna performance.

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3.Standards and Compliance of Earth Station Antenna

– IEEE Standards: Such as IEEE 145-1993 for antenna measurements.

– MIL-STD: Military standards for antennas, especially relevant for high-reliability applications.

Key Considerations

– Accuracy: Ensure measurements are precise to avoid performance issues in actual satellite operations.

– Calibration: Regular calibration of equipment is essential to maintain accuracy.

– Documentation: Comprehensive documentation of test procedures and results for future reference and compliance.

Effective antenna testing for satellite communication involves a combination of measurement techniques, specialized equipment, and adherence to industry standards. By rigorously testing antennas, engineers ensure they will perform reliably in the demanding environment of space, thus ensuring the success of satellite missions and communication systems.

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