Compact antenna test ranges

Antenna test ranges are required to be capable of measuring the radiation and scattering characteristics of high performance antennas and to operate over a wide range of frequencies. The compact antenna test range (compact range) can fulfil these requirements very well and has established itself as a versatile indoor test range capable of measuring medium to large size antennas over the frequency range of 1 to 300 GHz. The compact range uses one (or more) collimating reflectors to create a region of plane waves, called the quiet zone, in front of a reflector. The paper reviews the principles, history and design of compact ranges. The various types are described and their relative advantages compared. The compact range can be used for both antenna measurements and radar cross-section measurements and shows considerable promise for further development in the future.<>