Implementation of a new spherical near-field range at NPL

NPL has recently validated a new spherical near-field range. This range is built inside a 15 m by 15 m by 7.5 m anechoic chamber which also houses an extrapolation range and a probe calibration range. The spherical near-field range has been designed to work over an approximate frequency range of 0.5 GHz to 40 GHz, with a quiet zone up to 3 m diameter. This paper describes this new range and the results of the initial validation measurements. It compares the measurement of a standard gain horn moved to two positions in the quiet zone.