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Antenna Measurement
1 Antenna Ranges
An antenna range is a facility where antenna radiation
characteristics are measured.
An antenna range includes the
following typical components:
1. A substantial space for hosting the test antenna and the source
antenna
2. A source antenna
3. An antenna positioner
4. A transmitter and receiver system (e.g. a Network Analyser)
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Realized by
a network
analyser

Block diagram of a typical antenna-measurement system

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A compact antenna range

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2 Pattern Measurement
By means of the reciprocity theorem, the radiation patterns of an
antenna can be measured by its receiving patterns.
Usually radiation patterns are measured over certain planes cut
through the antenna. There are four typical planes at which the farfield characteristics (magnitude and phase) are measured. These
patterns are called principal plane patterns.
Principal Plane Patterns

E ( = 90, ) = E as a function of in the xy plane

E ( , = 0) = E as a function of in the xz plane

E ( = 90, ) = E as a function of in the xy plane

E ( , = 0) = E as a function of in the xz plane
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Antenna position and the coordinate system for pattern measurement

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Antenna under test

Antenna under test

Principal plane radiation patterns

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3 Gain Measurement
Comparison Method
The gain of an antenna can be measured by the comparison method
using a standard gain antenna whose gain and reflection
coefficient are know accurately. The power received by the standard
gain antenna and the test antenna are measured, respectively, under
the same conditions.

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We have the following relation from which the gain of the test
antenna can be determined.

GT

(
)
=
G
P (1 )
PT 1 s

1 T
PT
(GT )dB = (GS )dB + 10 log10 10 log10
PS
1 S

GT = gain of the test antenna

GS = gain of the standard gain antenna
PT = power received by the test antenna
PS = power received by the standard gain antenna
T = reflection coefficient of the test antenna
S = reflection coefficient of the standard gain antenna
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Partial Gain Method for Elliptically Polarized Antennas

For an EP polarized (including CP ploarized) antenna, its gain is
measured by measuring its partial gains at two orthogonal
orientations, for example the horizontal and the vertical
orientations. That is, first measure (use the comparison method) its
gain in one orientation, the vertical orientation GTV. Then rotate
the antenna about its axis through 90 and measure its gain GTH
again. The total gain of the antenna GT is given by:

(GT )dB = 10 log10 (GTV + GTH )

(dBic)

dBic is a unit to indicate that the gain is relative to an isotropic

and perfectly CP antenna.

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Example 1
A standard gain antenna has a gain of 63 (18 dB). It is used to measure
the gain of a test antenna. The received power with the standard gain
antenna Ps = 3.16 mW (5 dBm) and with the test antenna PT = 31.6
mW (15 dBm). The standard antenna has a VSWRS = 1.1 and the test
antennas VSWRT = 1.3. Find the gain of the test antenna assuming
both antennas are LP and polarization matched to each other.
Solution

VSWR S 1 1.1 1
S =
=
= 0.05,
VSWR S + 1 1.1 + 1

VSWR T 1
T =
= 0.13
VSWR T + 1
1 T 2
PT

(GT )dB = (GS )dB + 10 log10 10 log10

2

PS
S

1 0.132
31.6

= 18 dB + 10 log10
10 log10
2
3.16
1 0.05
= 28.06 dB
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4 Polarization Measurement
4.1 Polarization Pattern Method
This method can be used to measure the AR and the tilt angle of
the polarization ellipse but not the sense of polarization.
The test antenna is connected as the source antenna while a LP
antenna such as a dipole antenna is used to receive the power at
different rotation angles. The square root of the received power
plotted against the rotation angle indicate the AR and title .

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AR = OA/OB
A

Polarization pattern method

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4.2 Rotating Source Method

This method can be used to measure the AR at different
directions but not the tilt angle or the sense of polarization.
A LP antenna is used as the source antenna and made to rotate
continuously in the vertical plane while the test antennas radiation
patterns are being measured. The result is a radiation pattern with
rapid fluctuation in field strength. The difference between
adjacent maximum and minimum points of the fluctuation gives
the AR at that particular direction. The rotation speed of source
antenna must be much greater than the rotation speed of the test
antenna in the azimuth or vertical plane.

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AR at

Radiation pattern obtained by the rotating source method

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5 Input Characteristic Measurement

5.1 Input Impedance Measurement
The input characteristics of an
antenna such as the input
impedance ZA can be measured by a
network analyser. The advantage
of a network analyser is its ability
to measure both the magnitude and
the phase of the power received.

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S parameter measurement using a network analyser

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5.2 Reflection Coefficient Measurement

The reflection coefficient of an antenna can be obtained from its
input impedance measurement.
Z Z0
= A
(dimensionless)
Z A + Z0
5.3 VSWR Measurement
The VSWR of an antenna can be obtained from its reflection
coefficient measurement.
1+
VSWR =
(dimensionless)
1
5.4 S Parameter Measurement
The S parameters of two antennas treated as a two-port network
can be measured by a network analyser after proper calibration.
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References:
1. IEEE Standard Test Procedures for Antennas, IEEE Std 149-1979,
published by IEEE Inc., 1979, distributed by Wiley-Interscience.
2. G. E. Evans, Antenna Measurement Techniques, Artech House,
Boston, MA, 1990.
3. John D. Kraus, Antennas, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1988, Chapter
18.
4. C. A. Balanis, Antenna Theory, Analysis and Design, John Wiley
& Sons, Inc., New Jersey, 2005, Chapter 17.
5. W. L. Stutzman and G. A. Thiele, Antenna Theory and Design,
Wiley, New York, 1998, Chapter 9.

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