Probe based radiation pattern measurements for highly integrated millimeter-wave antennas

This paper presents the existing measurement solutions for integrated millimeter-wave antennas as well as the novel measurement assembly at the authors' institute. This setup allows probe based radiation pattern, gain and return loss measurements of antennas in the frequency range between 50 and 110 GHz. In the setup a far field distance of 60 cm is achieved that allows the characterization of antenna arrays as well as complete packaging solutions that include a dielectric lens or a parabolic reflector. The use of a VNA and a custom made wafer chuck makes it possible to measure the antenna's return loss in the same setup. A custom made bended waveguide and a horn antenna can be used to achieve a proper gain calibration. Using two rotary stages a receive antenna can be rotated around the antenna under test to measure its 3D radiation pattern.