Microwave coupling into a generic object. Properties of measured angular receiving pattern and its significance for testing

Results from extensive microwave coupling measurements on a generic missile are presented. Angular resolved plane wave coupling and coupling in the statistically isotropic environment of a reverberation chamber is studied. The former yields the angular and frequency resolution necessary to include the most susceptible directions and frequencies in testing. Typical differences of 10 - 15 dB between the maximum and average plane wave coupling are shown, the average being equal to isotropic coupling. This is of crucial importance for susceptibility testing, particularly concerning the relationship between the anechoic and reverberation chamber. An evaluation of a numerical simulation of the object is also presented.