Parametric study of angular and radial probe positioning errors in a large spherical near-field automotive antenna test system

The testing of modern automotive antennas is often accomplished by using spherical near-field test facilities. This paper presents sensitivity analysis data for errors introduced in the probe position of such a test system. The purpose of this study is to establish mechanical design goals for the gantry structure required in the implementation of the probe positioning system. Far-field error levels are calculated to demonstrate the effect of the probe positioning anomalies.