A novel test article for validation of EMC codes for antenna-to-antenna coupling and antenna isolation: the Transformable Scale Aircraft-Like Model

A novel all-metal test article, the Transformable Scale Aircraft-Like Model (TSAM) has been constructed to obtain measured antenna pattern and isolation data for validating electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and computational electromagnetics (CEM) analysis codes used to analyze antenna-to-antenna coupling and platform effects on antenna radiation patterns. TSAM makes use of a changeable configuration to identify those parts of the platform that affect the radiation performance and coupling properties of mounted antennas. All components and antennas are removable allowing TSAM complexity to be modified gradually in stages. As platform complexity changes, the measured data of electromagnetic observables changes correspondingly. Computed results from electromagnetics codes then should track the measured results as the TSAM computer geometry model changes. If they do not then information has been obtained to help identify where in the codes the shortcomings are located. This paper presents and discusses a set of antenna pattern and isolation measurements made on TSAM in the 4-8 GHz range involving several different TSAM configurations that are useful to validate EMC and CEM codes. The TSAM test article and antenna measurement process are discussed and the applicability to validating electromagnetics analysis codes is explained.