A comparison of near-field to far-field transformation techniques for use with industrial multi-axis robotic antenna measurement systems
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This invited, extended, paper compares and contrasts a number of different near-field (NF) to far-field (FF) transformation algorithms that can be used for the purpose of processing NF data acquired using multi-axis industrial robots. The merits and limitations of these various, commonly encountered algorithms are highlighted with comparison FF data presented across a frequency range spanning 3–15 GHz. Crucially, the paper explores the viability of using mixed mode acquisition geometries when performing antenna gain measurements where, prior to this work, several of the transforms yielded different transform gains, and electrical lengths. Here, we verify that at 8 GHz and above, where truncation effects were minimal, for a circa 30 dBi gain (at 8 GHz) test antenna the FF peaks were in agreement to better than ±0.02 dB, at 3σ irrespective of the acquisition geometry and transform algorithm used. In this invited, extended work, the existing simulation results are augmented with experimental results obtained from planar and spherical NF measurements of a pyramidal horn taken using a dual robotic antenna measurement system and a consistent distributed RF subsystem.
Authors: S.F. Gregson, C.G. Parini, D. Lewis, W. Cooper
Institutions: Queen Mary University of London, Boeing (United States)
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4407343879