See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/305711430

Challenging Compact Range Applications Featuring Recent Developments

Article · October 2015

CITATIONS READS
3 1,937

5 authors, including:

Josef Migl Hans-Jürgen Steiner

Airbus Defence and Space, Germany, Munich AeroXess
25 PUBLICATIONS 100 CITATIONS 62 PUBLICATIONS 293 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Josef Migl on 29 July 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Challenging Compact Range Applications Featuring
Recent Developments
J. Migl, H.-J. Steiner, J. Habersack, C. H. Schmidt, C. Hoetzel
Airbus DS GmbH
81663 Munich, Germany
[email protected]

Abstract— Compensated Compact Range Facilities are the state- more than 100) with alternating polarization and frequency
of-the-art RF test facilities for spacecraft payload modules and/or sub-bands to enable frequency reuse and the flexibility in
antennas. The outstanding features of the compact range channel allocation. For RF testing of the previous mentioned
technique are the (a) real-time testing capability, (b) easy to use type of communication satellite antennas, very time efficient
far-field measurement technique, (c) extremely high frequency but also highly accurate methods are required due to the high
capability, (d) end-to-end payload testing at multiple test zones number of beams which have to be measured for Rx and Tx
due to scanning features, and last but not least the (e) operation modes. The high measurement accuracy results from
considerable low cross-polar contribution over the full frequency cross-polar and gain requirements according to very stringent
band between 1 - 200 GHz which is one of the important
sidelobe, frequency re-use and EOC (Edge of Coverage)
parameters for telecommunication antenna testing.
requirements of fully integrated satellites and / or antennas. In
Upcoming spacecraft antennas with single feed per beam addition to the time efficiency aspect measurements in high
configuration and broadband transponder requirements (up to frequency bands (Ka, U, and V) are of interest for the next
500 MHz) need rapid test environments for antenna and payload generation of multimedia payload applications in order to
(end-to-end) measurement campaigns. For the desired wide provide the required bandwidth (Figure 1).
frequency spectrum the Ka-Band and even higher bands (U, and
V) are of interest for the next generation of telecommunication
spacecraft antennas. Compensated Compact Ranges provide an
excellent test environment for such scenarios. Recent
developments for the range feeds up to 200 GHz, a new heavy
load and highly accurate specimen positioner design, and the easy
enlargeable reflector system within the existing chamber
complete the picture of a state-of-the-art test facility for present
and future spacecraft and antenna testing.

The paper will explain the advantages of the selected system

design and preferred technology with its resulting features to
optimally cover the future requests focusing to new developments
in the high frequency range. For typical spacecraft antenna
scenarios a comparison between Compact Range and Near-Field
facilities will demonstrate the applicability in the frequency range
from 1 to 200 GHz. Beside the developed test set-up for the
required measurement parameters, typical measurement times
and achievable performance with its related error budget will be
depicted.
Figure 1. Combined Ku-, Ka-Band spacecraft installed at
specimen positioner inside an anechoic test chamber
I. INTRODUCTION
Considering the increasing needs on efficiency, flexibility, Compact ranges as well as near-field facilities are the state-
data rate and reliability to be offered by future generations of of-the-art test environment for the antenna testing. For typical
wide band communication satellites, the introduction of end-to-end (payload) tests the Compensated Compact Range
advanced payload architectures providing a more efficient use was so far the preferred test facility since no commercial near-
of the frequency spectrum and allowing for in-orbit field payload testing methodologies were available. Both test
reconfiguration will be required. Multi-Spot-Beam scenarios range types have certain system inherent advantages and
with different topologies for the coverage areas are nowadays drawbacks. Related to timing and high frequency aspects of the
discussed and designed for this type of satellite communication above outlined upcoming measurement scenarios it can be
services [1]. In such a scenario the service area will be assumed that the Compensated Compact Range will have some
illuminated by multiple adjacent high gain beams (typically assets at its side.
 II. COMPENSATED COMPACT RANGE FEATURES distance between the Antenna under Test (AUT) and the range
The Compensated Compact Range (CCR) is the state-of- antenna and hence controlled environmental conditions in a
the-art test facility for precise antenna and payload testing of closed chamber.
spacecraft antennas in the frequency range 1 - 200 GHz [2]. At each point / angle of the spherical measurement grid of
Even scientific applications up to 503 GHz were already the AUT the operator immediately gets the desired far-field
successfully tested in such a facility [3]. results without recording a complete surface grid and
The topic features of the Compensated Compact Range are performing post processing algorithms as it is necessary in a
summarized and briefly explained hereafter. classical near-field range. This feature is extremely helpful
during any kind of troubleshooting activities as it is very usual
for spacecraft antennas and/or complete spacecraft during end-
A. System Inherent Low Cross-Polar to-end test campaigns.
The side fed Cassegrain reflector design taking into account
the Mizugushi conditions provides a reflector system inherent Due to the real-time capability combined with state-of-the-
cross-polar free range design. Even such a design will have a art measurement equipment rapid pattern and gain test could be
residual cross-polar component due to the contribution of the performed for multiple beams and frequencies within one run.
range feed, edge diffractions from the reflector system, as well
as from remaining scattering obstacles and imperfect absorbers. C. Closed Loop End-to-End Test
However, the residual cross-polar component of a precisely A lateral and/or vertical range feed movement provides a
designed and manufactured compensated compact range is scanned test zone due to the very short effective focal length of
typically below -40 to -45 dB depending on the frequency the compensated compact range [5]. In case two range feeds
range [4]. Such small cross-polar contributions over the entire are installed closed loop end-to-end tests with up- and
test zone area a prerequisite for telecommunications antennas downlink can be established without touching the spacecraft
with frequency reuse and stringent beam to beam isolation communication module. This provides a smart test approach
requirements. for spacecraft’s not having test couplers installed.
Figure 2 depicts the Airbus Compensated Compact Range Figure 3 demonstrates this concept showing a top floor
of the type 120/100 with a test zone size up to 8.5m in sketch about the compensated compact range together with a
diameter. spacecraft in test zone area having a deployed east/west
antenna configuration. This feature can be used in the same
way to enlarge the defined test zone area to both sides
horizontally. For a vertical range feed movement the test zone
would be shift vertically. Of course, the range geometry and
practical aspects at the feed positioner limits the vertical shift
much more than the horizontal one.

Figure 2. Compensated Compact Range Reflector System of

the type Airbus CCR 120/100

B. Easy-to-Use Far-Field Range

The working principle of a compact range is comparable to
a classical far-field range even it belongs traditionally to the Figure 3. Scanned Quiet Zone Utilization for Closed Loop
group of near-field facilities since the test zone is located in the
End-to End Test in a Compensated Compact Range
aperture field and therefore in the near-field of the main
reflector. However, compared to near-field facilities which are
using scanning techniques (e.g. planar, cylindrical, and D. Millimeter-Wave (MW) Application Measurements
spherical) and mode expansion post-processing methods the The extremely high surface accuracy of < ±30 µm RMS
compact range utilizes a real-time near-field to far-field over the entire reflector surface under installed conditions of
transformation employing the reflector system. This feature the reflector system guarantees high frequency measurements
provides the convenience operating a far-field range at a short up to 200 GHz without limitations. RF measurements up to
503 GHz were already successfully performed as already III. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS FOR UPCOMMING
mentioned above [3], [6]. APPLICATIONS
Figure 4 demonstrate the high quality of a typical reflector
A. Range Feeds
surface after the final production step at the milling machine
which is a mandatory prerequisite for millimeter wave Increasing performance demands at the telecommunication
measurements. and MW-antenna sector require better test conditions in
existing and/or new test facilities. One of the key elements in a
test facility is the range feed/range antenna and was therefore at
one of the foci during the product upgrade phase the last years.
The rigorous utilization of new space antenna developments for
antenna test range applications led to improved performance
figure of all compact range feed up to 110 (200) GHz:
 Bandwidth: up to 40 %
 Amplitude/Phase Taper: 0.75 dB / 3.5°
 Return Loss: < -20 dB
 Port-to-Port Isolation: > 60 dB
 Cross-Polarization
o Overall: < -40 dB
o Field of View: < -50 dB

Figure 4. Final reflector surface at the milling machine

The finally installed surface performance of the main

reflector of one of the latest installed compensated compact
ranges is illustrated in Figure 5. The axis scale in both axes is
given in [mm] as well as the deviation color bar below. The
calculated RMS value is given with 27 µm.

Figure 5. Installed main reflector surface performance Figure 6. Typical feed pattern performance for magnitude
(above) and phase (below)
Beside the reflector performance in addition proper range
All feeds up to 200 GHz are equipped with a standardized
feeds and receive modules are required as well as a high
mechanical interface. In addition all feeds do have the same
precision heavy load specimen positioner needs to be available
mechanical distance between the flange and the phase center at
in order to perform successful millimeter wave measurements.
center frequency. This feature allows the quick feed change
The following chapter will summarize the latest improvements
during a measurement campaign without time consuming re-
in order to carry out high speed measurements at high
alignment and/or repositioning. A selection of feeds (5.5 – 40
frequencies combined with the aspect of end-to-end payload
GHz) is depicted in the following Figure 7.
testing constrains.
 B. Specimen Positioner Development
New application requirements for a heavy load specimen
positioner w.r.t. the maximum load and positioning accuracy
led to a new drive concept. The selected symmetrical and
active controlled fully digital braced drive concept applied to
all axes (AZ, EL, and Roll) guarantees a backlash free
movement in the entire travel range (Figure 10 and Figure 11).
Brushless servo technology provide an extremely smooth and
vibration free motion behavior. Since each motor is equipped
with its own servo controller a fast positioning due to
simultaneous axes control is possible. In summary the three
axes of the positioner are controlled by 8 drives and 8 servo
Figure 7. Set of Airbus Range Feeds (5.5 – 40 GHz) controllers (2 AZ, 4 EL, and 2 Roll). The nearly free access to
all drive components provide an easy maintainability which is
All feed above 40 GHz are in addition equipped with supported by the high degree of standardized components.
up/down-converters, additional amplifiers and coupler in order
to extend the frequency range up to 110 (200) GHz without
changing the RF set-up in an existing test range. The block-
diagram for the W-Band feed (75-110 GHz) is illustrated in
Figure 8 [7].

Figure 8. Block Diagram W-Band Feed: Transmit Module Figure 10. Heavy Load Positioner above Linear Slide Axis
(above) and Receive Module (below)

Beside the typical transmitting range antenna a receive module

as available at each frequency band, too. This module serves as
interface between the MW test antennas (AUT) and a standard
RF set-up up to 40 GHz (Figure 9).

Figure 9. MM-Wave Transmit Feed and Receive Module Figure 11. Braced Drive System at Each Axis
 The major performance data of the new specimen Medium and high gain antennas can be measured in both
positioner are: types of facility. The special topic of a near-field range
 Simultaneous Axes Drive all axes measuring low gain antennas, too, is not applicable for planar
 Backlash Free Drives: all axes scanners which are of interest for spacecraft testing.
 Max. Load (EL=90deg): 106 000 N (zenith) Nevertheless, one advantage exists for a planar near-field
 Max. Load (EL=0deg): 50 000 N (horizon) scanner. It is the possibility to keep the DUT in a fixed position
 Max. Bending Moment: 75 000 Nm (@ Interface) whereas the DUT has to be moved in a CCR during the test
 Overall Positioning Acc.: < ±0.0075 deg (TABLE 2).
(Valid for each single point to point movement within the
travel range, independent from the direction of movement TABLE 2. TEST APPLICATION CONSTRAINTS.
and load conditions, balanced situation assumed)
Compensated Compact Test Range Near-Field Test Range
 Wobble Roll Axis: < ±0.003 deg Test Application Constraints
 Max. Speed (AZ/EL/Roll): > 3.0/0.33/3.0 deg/sec  Medium and high gain antennas  Medium and high gain antennas from
 Acceleration/Deceleration: 1.5 deg/sec2 from equipment level up to system
level
 equipment level up to system level
(valid for planar NF scanner)
 Travel Ranges
o AZ: ± 220 deg  Test specimen (spacecraft) has to be  Test specimen (spacecraft) is fixed
o EL - 22 deg to + 112 deg moved during test  during test
(valid for planar NF scanner only)
o Roll 360 deg unlimited

TABLE 3. PAYLOAD TESTING.

IV. COMPARISON OF COMPENDATED COMPACT RANGE AND
Compensated Compact Test Range Near-Field Test Range
NEAR-FIELD TEST FACILITY Payload Testing
In the following an attempt is made to objectively compare  Measured parameters  Measured parameters
a Compensated Compact Range (CCR) with a classical near- o EIRP   o EIRP (ongoing ESA Study)

field facility in the view of the above mentioned test scenarios. o IPFD
o G/T (Gain / Temperature)
o IPFD (ongoing ESA Study)
o G/T (ongoing ESA Study)
o Group Delay o Group Delay (ongoing ESA Study)
A. Applications o Gain versus Frequency o Gain/Frequency (ongoing ESA Study)

In the first section the comparison is set-up about the field  PIM    PIM (No methodology available)
of applications. TABLE 1 summarizes the results with some
advantages for the Compensated Compact Range (CCR). The  Autocompatibility    Autocompatibility
only drawback for the CCR in this section is the limited
performance below 1 GHz where the near-field range has clear
advantages. However, for upper frequencies and especially at B. Gain and Pattern Measurements
the millimeter wave range the CCR has again clear advantages.
So far the end-to-end testing of the spacecraft payload is a clear In the second section the comparison is made about antenna
domain for the CCR even if payload testing in near field is in gain and pattern measurements. TABLE 4 shows the results
principle possible (compare TABLE 3). The major issue of again with some advantages for the Compensated Compact
near-field payload testing is the much higher effort determining Range (CCR).
the correction factors and the missing methodology for Passive TABLE 4. PATTERN & GAIN MEASUREMENTS.
Intermodulation (PIM) testing under near field conditions.
Compensated Compact Test Range Near-Field Test Range

So far no heritage is available at commercial near-field Radiation Pattern & Gain Measurements
suppliers. Airbus DS GmbH is just working at an ESA  Real time measurements of far-field  Data acquisition in near-field requires
(European Space Agency) funded study about the near-field radiation patterns  processing of data to obtain far-field
radiation patterns
payload measurement methodology.  Real time measurements of patterns   Full data acquisition needed to
cuts calculate desired pattern cuts
TABLE 1. FIELD OF APPLICATIONS.
 Gain measurements either by
absolute or substitution method
  Gain measurements either by
absolute or substitution method
Compensated Compact Test Range Near-Field Test Range
 Pointing accuracy NOT depending  Pointing accuracy depending on
Fields of Application on phase stability caused by RF  phase stability of RF equipment or
drift (3 cable correction and drift
equipment or drift
 Antenna testing   Antenna testing correction mandatory)
 On axis mutual coupling between
o Radiation pattern measurement
o Gain measurements
o Radiation pattern measurement
o Gain measurements
 Less on axis mutual coupling
between probe and device under test  probe and device under test
 Payload testing   Payload testing possible, but with
limitations and additional efforts
 Measurement duration not
depending on antenna size   Measurement duration depending on
antenna size
 PIM testing
  PIM testing NOT possible so far  Measurement duration for typical
communication antenna farm   Extensive measurement duration for
typical communication antenna farm
 Measurement of telecommunication  Less accurate or more effort needed in
antennas  upper Ka, Q, V Band

 Extension to mm-wave frequencies

(standard upgrade up to 200 GHz)
  Limited due to phase instability

 Extension to lower frequencies < 1   Extension to frequencies < 1 GHz In principle there are no drawbacks for the CCR here in this
GHz possible
area. The major issue for the near-field range here is the much
 Real time test capability for fast
trouble shooting   Not possible higher measurement time which is depending on the Antenna
 Holographic Methods possible for
trouble shooting but typically not needed   Easily possible under Test (AUT) size and frequency. In addition a higher
effort is required in order to achieve the same pointing
accuracy as at the CCR which is needed for space application.
The gain measurement process is very similar in both types of facility. Compact Ranges as well as near-field facilities do have
facility. One of the major near-field errors, the mutual system inherent advantages and drawbacks. Depending on the
coupling, can be reduced with additional measurements in frequency band and/or application both facilities may be the
distances of λ/4. But this would impact the scoring of the test best choice. However, in the space business where the majority
campaign efficiency in addition. of test campaigns are related to the telecommunication market
a certain advantage still can be seen for the Compensated
C. Test Campaign Efficiency Compact Range. This is mainly related to the (a) fast and easy
The third section it titled with “Test Campaign Efficiency” to use far-field test system which makes all types of
(TABLE 5). As already mentioned in the section before the issue measurements extremely efficient, (b) the long heritage and
of the near-field testing is the fact that for each pattern a commercial available test systems for payload testing which
complete near-field scan over the 2D surface is required before can be carried out in a closed loop scenario, (c) the very
any answer could be given about any electrical antenna attractive and mandatory low cross-polar component (typically
parameter. An often mentioned advantage of the near-field < -40 to -45 dB), and (d) the frequency extension to the
would be that the trolley where the antenna /spacecraft is millimeter wave range up to 200 GHz without changing the
moved into the test range could be directly used as the set-up or other limitations.
specimen platform for testing the Device under Test (DUT). The test zone size limitation due to the fixed reflector
However, in reality that is not the case since the trolleys are system is a drawback for the CCR at existing facilities but not
typically too low. The movement of the DUT to any kind of for new ones. However, with the test zone scanning and the
specimen positioner or fixed tower is typically needed at both available reflector extensions a test zone enlargement up to 2m
test ranges. can be achieved which is an optimized trade-off between
TABLE 5. TEST CAMPAIGN EFFICIENCY. performance and costs. Latest improvements at the
measurement set-up [8] or the range feeds and specimen
Compensated Compact Test Range Near-Field Test Range
positioner subsystem make this product still very attractive for
Test Campaign Efficiency
applications in the spacecraft business even if the price is
 Straightforward optical alignment of
test specimen w.r.t. facility boresight   Straightforward optical alignment of
test specimen w.r.t. near-field scanner
typically higher compared to a near-field facility due to major
advantages mentioned above.
 Approved software package  Approved software packages
available for all typical antenna and  available for antenna and gain
The Compensated Compact Range (CCR) is still an antenna
payload tests measurements but not for payload
 Minimized handling risk in case DUT and payload test facility that fulfills all needs for present and
 Usual handling risk (not higher as in
all other facilities, e.g. TVAC, …)  can remain on its transport trolley
future test campaigns. An additional upgrade with a planar
during measurement (depends on trolley
and DUT) near-field scanner to a hybrid test range seems to be the
 Installation of satellite on specimen
positioner
  In most cases transport trolley cannot
be used for direct measurement optimum on achievable technical and operational handling
application performance.
 Fast trouble shooting for individual  Trouble shooting requires time
 consuming data processing
antennas in real time
REFERENCES
 Overall test campaign duration   Additional time necessary for
calibration and measurements for [1] R. Gehring, J. Hartmann, Ch. Hartwanger, U.P. Hong , N. Ratkorn, E.
payload tests
Reiche, H. Wolf, “Trade-Off for Overlapping Feed Array
Configurations”, 29th ESA Antenna Workshop on Multiple Beams and
D. Planning and Costs Reconfigurable Antennas, 18 – 20 April 2007 at ESTEC, Noordwijk,
The Netherlands.
As expected this domain goes to the near-field range since [2] J. Habersack, W. Lindemer, H.-J. Steiner, “Sensor Measurements up to
the investment cost are typically lower compared to a compact 200 GHz in the Compensated Compact Range with Broadband Transmit
range even if the planning and installation time are quite and Receive Modules”, AMTA 1997, Boston, USA.
similar (TABLE 6). [3] J. Hartmann, J. Habersack, C. Hoetzel, H.-J Steiner, J. Lemanczyk, P.
De Maagt, “Calibration and Verification Measurments in Compensated
TABLE 6. PLANNING AND COST. Compact Ranges up to 500 GHz”, AMTA 2001, Denver, USA.
Compensated Compact Test Range Near-Field Test Range [4] J. Hartmann, J. Habersack, F. Hartmann, H.-J. Steiner, „Validation of
Planning the Unique Field Performance of the Large CCR 120/100“, AMTA
 Time from contract award to  Time from contract award to 20015, Rhode Island, USA
readiness for onsite acceptance test
approx. 21 months
 readiness for onsite acceptance test
approx. 21 months [5] J. Migl, J. Habersack, C. Hoetzel, A. Geise, C.H. Schmidt, H.-J Steiner,
“Performance of Scanned Quiet Zones in Compensated Comact Ranges
 Cost  for Antenna and Payload Testing,” AMTA 2012, San Diego, USA.
[6] J. Habersack, J. Hartmann, J. Lemanczyk, P. De Maagt, H.-J. Steiner,
„Facility Trade-Off for Measurements up to 500 GHz“, AMTA 2000,
Philadelphia, USA
V. CONCLUSIONS [7] J. Hartmann, J. Habersack, H.-J. Steiner, Th. Rose, P. Zimmermann,
“Transmit and Receive Modules for Measurement of Future Space
It was shown that the telecommunication market in the Applications in the Terahertz Frequency Range”, AMTA 2001, Denver,
spacecraft business focuses on more and more to higher USA.
frequency bands due to the need for higher bandwidth at [8] J. Migl, E. Guelten, W. Seitz, H.-J. Steiner, E. Meniconi,“Time Efficient
multimedia data transmissions. This will effectively drive the Antenna & Payload Measurement Technique for future Multi-Spot-
decision about the correct type of antenna and payload test Beam Antennas“, EUCAP 2013, Goethenburg, Sweden

View publication stats