Microcomputer Controlled Antenna Radiation Pattern Measurements

An automatic antenna radiation pattern measurement system based on a microcomputer is presented. Stepper motors, directly controlled by the computer, are used to drive elevation, azimuth and polarisation positioners. During measurement the computer programs the signal source, collects pattern data from the microwave receiver and converts, stores and displays it in a variety of formats. Copolar and crosspolar patterns in amplitude and phase may be measured. Software packages for radiation pattern measurement and contour plotting are described and typical results presented. This low cost facility is accurate and versatile and software can be written for many applications.