Radar Test Environment: Realization of a Folded Test Track Based on Overmoded Rectangular Waveguides

In this paper, a compact test track based on overmoded rectangular waveguides and miter bends is investigated regarding its suitability as radar test environment. In contrast to their single-mode variant, overmoded waveguides possess significantly better transmission characteristics with respect to their losses and dispersive properties. In addition, the wave propagation in the system can be described mathematically, due to the boundary conditions of the waveguide, which ensures precise signal evaluation. A test track with a length of over 2.7
$\mathbf{m}$
was realized in a setup with 13
$\mathbf{x \ 18.5 \ x \ 60.5}$
cm in size, using a folded arrangement of various waveguide elements. Based on the presented measurement results, the suitability of the test track as a radar test environment was proven.