How to Select the Right Antenna Measurement System for Your Application

Why Antenna Measurement Systems Matter

The performance of modern wireless systems is heavily reliant on antennas. Even the most advanced systems of modern communications set will not perform as expected if the design of the antennas is not validated.

Precise antenna measurements enable organizations to accomplish the following:

• Verify antenna performance
• Improve wireless coverage
• Reduce product development risks
• Meet regulatory requirements
• Ensure product reliability
• Optimize signal quality
• Accelerate product launches

Ambulatory measurement systems help develop validated systems by providing a means to test design iterations early in the development process to reduce the time and cost of development.

Understanding Different Types of Antenna Measurement Systems

It is important have a general knowledge of the main types of antenna measurement systems prior to selecting a system.

Every measurement system has its unique purpose and can be employed based on the application.

Identify Your Frequency Range Requirements

When choosing the Antenna Measurement System that best fits your needs, the operating frequency range mainly drives the choice.

Applications can differ in measurement requirements.

Sub-6 GHz Applications

• Wi-Fi
• IoT devices
• Cellular communications
• Industrial wireless systems

Millimeter Wave (mmWave) Applications

• 5G infrastructure
• Advanced radar systems
• Automotive sensors
• Satellite communications

High-Frequency Research

• Aerospace applications
• Defense systems
• Future 6G technologies

Measurement systems must be designed to meet current and anticipated frequency requirements.

Evaluate Antenna Size and Product Type

Antenna size limits the options for measurement systems.

Small Devices

Examples include:

• Smartphones
• Wearables
• IoT sensors
• Wireless modules

These products often benefit from:

• OTA testing systems
• Compact near-field measurement systems

Medium-Sized Products

Examples include:

• Communication equipment
• Wireless routers
• Base station antennas

Suitable options include:

• Near-field systems
• Compact range systems

Large Antennas

Examples include:

• Satellite antennas
• Radar systems
• Aerospace communication antennas

These applications typically require:

• Far-field ranges
• Large compact range facilities

Recognizing antenna size early can help avoid unnecessary large-scale testing facilities.

Consider Measurement Accuracy Requirements

Different applications require different levels of accuracy.

Some high-performance industries demand a high level of measurement accuracy.

Industries Requiring High Accuracy

• Aerospace
• Defense
• Satellite communications
• Military radar systems

Applications with Moderate Accuracy Requirements

• Consumer electronics
• Smart home devices
• IoT products
• Commercial communication equipment

When evaluating a system, the following should be considered, as they relate to the application:

• Dynamic range
• Measurement uncertainty
• Calibration capability
• Positioning accuracy
• Repeatability

The required accuracy level should align with product performance goals and industry standards.

Assess Chamber and Facility Requirements

The testing environment greatly impacts measurement accuracy.

Most organizations underestimate the infrastructure associated with antenna testing systems.

Key Facility Considerations

• Available floor space
• Chamber dimensions
• Shielding effectiveness
• RF absorber performance
• Environmental control
• Future expansion requirements

A Near-field measurement system can require far less space compared to a far-field range.

If an organization has limited facility space, compact range options can offer excellent solutions.

Determine Automation Needs

Antennas are increasingly more complex. To keep up, testing must become more efficient. Automated antenna testing provides many advantages, including:

• Faster testing cycles
• Reduced operator error
• Improved repeatability
• Higher throughput
• Easier data analysis
• Better reporting capabilities

Time and productivity can be greatly improved if an organization is testing a large number of systems using an automated measurement solution.

When choosing a solution, ensure software has the ability to:

• Automated test sequences
• Remote operation
• Data visualization
• Custom reporting
• Integration with existing workflows

Evaluate Future Scalability

Because of the rapid pace of technology, future needs must be considered in the measure system being purchased today.

Consider future needs such as:

• 5G Advanced testing
• 6G development
• Beamforming technologies
• Massive MIMO systems
• Higher frequency bands
• Advanced OTA testing

The expense of selecting an adaptable solution is less than the expense of making a non-adaptable solution work for future needs.

Compare Total Cost of Ownership

It is important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) when purchasing a system.

Factors Affecting Total Cost

• Initial equipment cost
• Installation expenses
• Chamber construction
• Maintenance requirements
• Calibration services
• Software licensing
• Future upgrades
• Training costs

If a system is purchased at a lower cost but does not have the flexibility to adapt for future testing needs, it will be more costly in the long run.

Industry-Specific Recommendations

Telecommunications

Recommended Systems:

• OTA testing systems
• Near-field measurement systems
• mmWave test solutions

Aerospace and Defense

Recommended Systems:

• Compact range systems
• Far-field measurement ranges
• High-precision positioning systems

Automotive

Recommended Systems:

• Radar measurement systems
• OTA testing environments
• mmWave measurement platforms

Research Institutions

Recommended Systems:

• Flexible near-field systems
• Multi-frequency measurement platforms
• Modular testing solutions

Selecting a solution that considers your industry maximizes measurement efficiency and long-term value.

Pro Tip: Plan for Tomorrow’s Technologies

Antenna measurement systems are purchased by many for the projects in hand. Although the wireless technologies are quickly evolving, systems are purchased that provide support for future frequency ranges, beamforming, over-the-air (OTA) testing, and the next generation (6G) technologies. Future scalability helps avoid significant costs down the line.

Why Choose DMC for Antenna Measurement Solutions?

At DMC, we understand each application poses unique challenges. This is the reason our antenna measurement systems are designed for performance on a scalable, customizable, and secure basis across the spectrum of telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and automotive for ease of integration.

The advantages of collaborating with DMC comprise:

• Customized antenna measurement solutions
• Advanced RF testing expertise
• Scalable system architectures
• High-precision measurement capabilities
• Support for emerging wireless technologies
• Comprehensive installation and technical support

DMC helps you choose the right system, from compact solutions to large-scale installations.

Conclusion

There are many aspects to consider when choosing an antenna measurement system, some of which include the system’s frequency range, antenna dimensions, measurement precision, facility limitations, automation, and the ability to adapt to future requirements.

Meeting the testing goals of the organization, along with an understanding of the systems available, will empower organizations to choose a measurement system that will enhance the performance of the organization’s products, lower the risks present in the product development life cycle, and provide a platform for future development.

The right antenna measurement system will provide organizations with the testing tools they need to continue advancing with developing wireless technologies.