Rohde & Schwarz and Greenerwave have pulled off an impressive feat measuring the full radiation pattern of a 50 cm Ku band electronically steerable SATCOM antenna in just 30 minutes using a near-field system. The results matched simulation models within 1 dB, proving this approach delivers fast, reliable antenna verification without massive test chambers.
The Challenge
Traditional far-field testing for large ESA antennas demands huge, expensive chambers. Compact Antenna Test Ranges (CATR) help but still require slow dual-axis positioning. Ku/Ka band antennas with 50cm+ apertures simply don’t fit well in most setups.
The Breakthrough
Rohde & Schwarz’s R&S TS8991 system + Greenerwave’s RIS-based ESA (50x50cm aperture) recorded 10 Ku band frequencies across an extended hemisphere (down to 120° polar angle) in 32 minutes total. A hardware trigger and FIAFTA near-field-to-far-field transformation made it possible.
Key Results:
- Peak gain/directivity: Max 1 dB deviation, typically 0.3 dB vs. simulation
- Matches Greenerwave’s CATR validation
- Exportable to CST Studio/MATLAB
SATCOM manufacturers get accurate characterization of LEO/MEO/GEO antennas without chamber constraints. Perfect for broadband, IoT, and backhaul applications needing flexible beam steering.
Greenerwave’s RIS technology also cuts power use and semiconductor dependency—a big win for next-gen user terminals.
This near-field solution slots easily into R&D labs, slashes test cycles, and cuts costs. Game-changer for ESA antenna development.
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