Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

An Introduction to RF
Anechoic Chamber
Technology
Vicente Rodriguez, Ph.D.
ETS-Lindgren
1301 Arrow Point Dr.
Cedar Park, TX, 78613
[email protected]
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

SUMMARY
• The Chamber Family
• Absorber Materials
• The EMC Chamber
• The antenna Chamber
– Tapered and Rectangular.
• RCS chambers
• References
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Chamber Types: Two Main Families

• EMC testing • RCS and Antenna.
• Properties: Semi-free space or • Properties: Fully anechoic.
half free space • Absorber: EHP series absorbers
• Absorber: FS-1500,1000,600,400 • RCS: mostly military
(polyurethane) and FS- applications, is a chamber to
1250,600,400 PS and EMC-24, measure radar cross section of a
(for High frequency applications target
other absorber may be used). • Antenna: military and
• Design tools: In-House Software commercial, these are chambers
• Std. Doc: ANSI C63.4-1992/1998; to measure the radiation pattern
EN50147-2 (semi-anechoic),- of a radiator, could be an
3(fully anechoic),-1(shielding antenna or an antenna plus other
test); VCCI V98.3 (Japanese); system.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

The Absorber Family 1

Microwave
Pyramidal absorber.
EMC and EHP series

Electric Losses

Preferred technology
for High frequencies
It can be used for low
frequencies if size
(length) is increased
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

The Absorber Family 2

Ferrite Tile .
Magnetic Losses
Preferred technology
for Low frequencies (up
to 1GHz), it has low
profile.

It cannot be used for

high frequencies
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

The Absorber Family 3

Hybrid Absorber .

Electric and Magnetic Losses

Preferred technology for EMC

Applications. foam has to have
special formula for good
matching with ferrite tile at the
bottom. At High frequencies its
performance is not as good as
MW pyramid of equal size. Flat
top causes undesired reflections
at MW range.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

The Absorber Family 4

Flat laminate .

Electric Losses

Preferred technology for

laboratory set ups. It is a
sandwich of different foams.

About 20dB absorption as

frequency increases.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

The Absorber Family 5

Wedge and pyramid

Electric Losses

A variant of pyramidal
absorber wedge does not show
backscattering. Preferred
technology for QZ treatment
and for RCS chambers.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Pyramidal Absorber Theory (Example)

Popular types of absorber have constitutive parameters of: This material is
volumetrically
loaded having
 r 1 Non magnetic material the same
constitutive
parameters
 r 2  j1 Low permittivity with losses through the
volume of the
pyramid

We will study how the electromagnetic wave behaves as is

incident on to a wall of this type of absorber.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Pyramidal Absorber Theory (Example)

At the tip of the

absorber
The wave NO SUDDEN CHANGE IN WAVE
impedance is that IMPEDANCE = LOW
of air REFLECTIVITY

Z 3770o
Along the length of the
pyramid the wave
impedance falls between
those two values.

377
At the base of the pyramid Z 25213.3o
The wave impedance becomes
2  j1
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Pyramidal Absorber Theory (Example)

 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Pyramidal Absorber Theory (Example)

Let’s approximate by saying that the

pyramid is equivalent to a solid medium
Let’s
of 1/3 the height
assume a
length of
30cm
The
wavelength
at 3GHz is
10cm
And at For 3GHz
10GHz is
30mm
  j 2  ' j "  j 20.1 1.46  j 0.35
o

  20.1 0.35 22 Np

m
Wavelength
at 3GHz

 e  2x e  2220.1 0.0123  38dB

Approximate thickness of
equivalent solid material
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Pyramidal Absorber Theory (Example)

Let’s approximate by saying that the

pyramid is equivalent to a solid medium
of 1/3 the height

For 10GHz
  j 2  ' j "  j 02.03
o

1.46  j 0.35
  02.03

0.35 73 Npm Wavelength
at 3GHz

 e  2x e  2730.1 4.29 10 7  127dB

Approximate thickness
of equivalent solid
material

In practice the reflection coefficient may not be as small as this but it will be significantly
Smaller than at 3GHz
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

EMC Chamber

• Design is guided by the

standards and the test that the
customer is going to perform.
Frequency range is from 30 to
1000MHz
• At what distance is the
measurement (3m, 5m,10m)?
Are we testing immunity or
emissions? 4m
• The chamber must perform as
if it was an infinite ground
plane in an infinite open space
• NSA is a measurement of how
close we are to this goal. 1m
• Std.Docs call for NSA being 1,3,5,10m
within +- 4dB of the theoretical.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

EMC Chamber
There are some rules that can abs
be applied when sizing an EMC Rx2

Chamber once the test distance

and the quiet zone size are D Tx1
known Dsin()

B
Qzd
Qzs
Rx1
A D  2 Qzd  Rx1  Qzs  2 abs
where : Rx1 2m, Qzs 1m Tx2
abs

abs

Rx1 can be a minimum of 1.5m A

It is desirable that  > 0 so that

reflections from the side walls
Do not arrive in phase to the test
area.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

EMC Chamber

The FCC asks that the abs

performance of that anechoic Tx1

chamber matches that of an out

door range.

The Normalize Site Attenuation H

1 – 4 meter scan
(NSA) is measured.
2m
1.5m
Another common measurement abs
for qualification is the field D
1m
uniformity measurement
A
 EMC Chamber

Chamber Validation Requirements

• A typical standard will have wording similar to this:

– ANSI C 63.4-1992 § 5.4.2, Alternate test Sites: Measurements can be
made at a location other than an OATS, ... Provided that the alternate site
meets the site attenuation requirements of 5.4.6 over the volume occupied
by the EUT, … and the ground plane requirements of 5.4.3

What this means is that it must be shown that the

chamber performs like an infinite ground plane
with no obstructions anywhere.
 EMC Chamber
Vertical Polarization VNSA
 EMC Chamber
Horizontal Polarization HNSA
 EMC Chamber
Testing the Uniform Area according EN 61000-4-3. For chambers where immunity measurements
will be performed it may be required to test the FU according to a given standard. this will show that
the reflections from the wall do not affect the field.

0.5 m

0.8 m
0.5 m

This plane includes the uniform area, 12 from 16 points of E-Field are within +6/-0 dB.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

EMC Chamber: Partially lined

•
chambers
Mil Std chambers and some other aircraft
and SAE EMC standard documents call for
partial absorber treatment chambers.
• Frequencies for use start in the 100 of
MHz.
• Not looking for a half free space.
EUT Bench
• Absorber is loading the cavity (chamber) to
reduce any resonant behavior.
• EMC24 absorber is enough for these 1m
applications.(A pyramidal specially loaded
absorber)
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

EMC Chamber: Mil Std Chamber

• Mil Std 461 Defines the size of the chamber in terms if the EUT being measured,
EUT size determines the size of the chamber. The sketches bellow show the
standard MIL-STD chamber offered by ETS-Lindgren.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std 461E

• What is it?
– “Department of Defense: Requirements
for the control of electromagnetic
interference characteristics of
subsystems and equipment”
– So it is a complete Standard for all
different EMC measurements
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std 461E

Mil Std 461 E came to be in It superseding both

August 20 1999 Mil Std 461D and Mil Std 462D
Which passed away
(rest in peace)
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std 461E

Emissions

Conducted

Susceptibility

Mil Std 461E

Is made of
Emissions
many parts
(which one
Radiated
are YOU
interested
Susceptibility
in)
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std 461E Conducted

CE 101

Emissions CE 102
CE 106

Conducted CS 101
CS 114
CS 103
CS 104 CS 115
Susceptibility
CS 105 CS 116
CS 109
 Mil Std 461E Conducted
Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Emissions
CE 101
Conducted Emissions, power leads 30HZ-10KHz

No chamber required
Shielded room
recommended.

LISN, receivers,
CE CE 102 O’cope, data
Conducted Emissions, power leads 10KHz-10MHz recorders, sig gens,
Current probe, etc
are part of the
required Equipment

CE 106
Conducted Emissions, Antenna terminal, 10KHz to
40GHz
 Mil Std 461E Conducted
Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Susceptibility (Immunity)
CS 101 Conducted Susceptibility, Power leads, 30Hz, to 150KHz

Conducted Susceptibility, Antenna Port, Intermodulation, 15KHz to

CS 103 10GHz
Conducted Susceptibility, Antenna Port, rejection of Undesired
CS 104 signals, 30Hz to 20GHz

CS 105 Conducted Susceptibility, Antenna Port, Cross-modulation, 30Hz to

CS 20GHz
Conducted Susceptibility, Structure Current, 60Hz to 100KHz
CS 109
CS 114 Conducted Susceptibility, Bulk Cable Injection, 10kHz to 200Mhz

CS 115 Conducted Susceptibility, Bulk Cable Injection, Impulse excitation

CS 116 Conducted Susceptibility,Damped Sinusoidal transients, cables and

power leads, 10KHz to 100MHz
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std 461E Radiated

RE 101

Emissions RE 103

i l l d ut
n s w an abo
RE 105

gi cilit me ails

be
fa uip det
ve ie nt
Radiated RS 101

eq ore
M
RS 103
Susceptibility

RS 105
 Mil Std 461E Radiated
Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Emissions
RE 101 Radiated Emissions, Magnetic Field, 30Hz to 100KHz

RE RE 102 Radiated Emissions, Electric Field, 10KHz to 18GHz

RE 105 Radiated Emissions, Antenna Spurious and

harmonic Outputs, 10KHz to 40GHz
 Mil Std 461E Radiated
Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Susceptibility (Immunity)
RS 101 Radiated Susceptibility, Magnetic Field, 30Hz to 100KHz

RE RS 103 Radiated Susceptibility, Electric Field, 2MHz to 18GHz

RS 105 Radiated Susceptibility, Transient Electromagnetic

field
 Mil Std 461E Where do we
Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

test?
Paragraph 4.3.2 “To prevent interaction between the EUT and the outside
environment, SHIELDED ENCLOSURES will be usually
required for testing”

“RF absorber material… shall be used when performing

Paragraph 4.3.2.1 RE and RS testing inside a shielded enclosure…
The RF absorber shall be placed above, behind and on
both sides of the EUT, and behind the radiating or
receiving antenna”
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

The Absorber Family

EMC-24

Mil Std 461E requirements

TABLE I page 10

6dB absorption 80Mhz to 250Mhz

10dB absorption 250Mhz and above
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std Chamber side view

• Mil Std 461 Defines the size of the chamber in terms if the EUT being measured,
EUT size determines the size of the chamber. The sketches bellow show the
standard MIL-STD chamber offered by ETS-Lindgren.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std Chamber Side View

• Mil Std 461 Defines the size of the chamber in terms if the EUT being measured,
EUT size determines the size of the chamber. The sketches bellow show the
standard MIL-STD chamber offered by ETS-Lindgren.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std Chamber RE and RS

Equipment
RE101
RECOMMENDED REQUIRED

Current Probe
EMCO 3725-2M

CHAMBER

EMCO 7604
EMCO 4-TR
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std Chamber RE and RS

Equipment
RE103
REQUIRED

EMCO 3725-2M
CHAMBER EMCO 4-TR
EMCO 7-TR

EMCO 3115
EMCO 3110B
EMCO 3301B
EMCO 3106

MIL STD 461E does not longer accept Log Periodic and spiral Logs only
double ridge horns above 200MHz
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std Chamber RE and RS

Equipment
RS101
RECOMMENDED REQUIRED

Current Probe
EMCO 3725-2M

CHAMBER

EMCO 7605/7606
EMCO 4-TR
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std Chamber RE and RS

Equipment
RS103
REQUIRED

EMCO 3725-2M
CHAMBER EMCO 4-TR
EMCO 7-TR

EMCO 3115
EMCO 3109
EMCO 3301B
EMCO 3106

MIL STD 461E does not longer accept Log Periodic and spiral Logs only
double ridge horns above 200MHz
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Mil Std Chamber RE and RS

Equipment
RS103
paragraph 5.19.4, states that an accepted method is the mode tuned
reberveration chamber, the range is 200MHz to 40GHz, for the reverb log
periodics can be used since pattern is no longer an issue
 CISPR 25
Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

• “Limits and methods of measurement of radio

disturbance characteristics for the protection of
receivers used on board vehicles”
• This means that we measure the emissions that would
affect any receiver in the vehicle. Is another self
immunity standard, of how vehicle receivers are
immune to radiated emissions from its own systems
• SAE J 551-4 and SAE J 1113-41 are equivalent
standards
 CISPR 25
Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

• “Covers the frequency range from 150KHz- 1000MHz

• When an absorber lined chamber is used the
absorption of the material has to be better than 6dB for
the range 70MHz and up.
• For the chamber testing of subsystems a monopole is
used for the range 150KHz to 30MHz, for 30MHz to
200MHz a biconical antenna is used, the log periodic is
used for the range 200MHz-1000MHz. For equipment
testing a TEM cell can be used.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

EMC Chamber: CISPR 25 Chamber

• The CISPR-25 calls for reflectivity in the EUT area to be better
than 6dB.
• There is no method for testing this.
• Normal incidence performance of absorber is the best way to
determine the reflectivity in the area given the test geometry
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

EMC Chamber: CISPR 25 Chamber

• A recommended practice is to map the field along the cable
harness although the standard does not mentions anything
about any chamber validation method. This method can help
compare the results in two different chambers.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

CISPR 25 Chamber Side View (Bicon)

 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

CISPR 25 Chamber Side View (Bicon)

 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

CISPR 25 Chamber Monopole Testing

 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

EMC Chamber: CISPR 25 Chamber

• Apart from component testing the CISPR 25 rooms could
accommodate some vehicle testing if the floor is reinforced.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

CISPR 25 TEM Cells

• Additionally CISPR 25 allows for testing of

equipment in TEM cells and other TEM like
devices
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Automotive Testing:
A Short Introduction 50

• Every manufacturer has its own

requirements (usually very difficult to
meet).
• Automotive standards are actually
rather simple.
• The most common are SAE, ISO and
95/54 EC. These usually are copies of
each other with small difference.
• The previous slides look at the FACT
25 chamber which can be used for
automotive component testing for all
these standards.
• A short introduction to emission testing
of whole vehicles is presented now
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Automotive Testing: 51

A Short Introduction
• The 10m emission testing
LPDA
locates the antenna 10m from
the outer shell of the vehicle BICONICAL

• The antenna is not scan but 10 meters HORN

located at 3m height. (For 3m
testing the antenna is located at
1.8meters.
• Both sides of the vehicle and 10 meters
both polarizations are tested

10 meters
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Automotive Testing:
A Short Introduction 52

Plane of longitudinal symmetry

• The antenna is to be
in line with the
middle point of the
10 meters
engine compartment.
• A two antenna
mid point of engine Antenna in line with
position chamber compartment mid point of engine
compartment
makes the test much
easier

10 meters 10 meters

The antenna not in use is set

At a different polarization to
reduce coupling between antennas
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

EMC Chamber
• There are a lot of different Standards in EMC. When a
different standard request appears the RF engineer must
analyze the requirements of the standard and
recommend a proper solution.
• Also customers may have their own special requirements.
Their company may have internal requirements for
testing. RF engineering analysis must be conducted to see
how to meet these requirements (or if is even possible to
meet them.
• Most chambers are required to meet several standards.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: Requirements

The purpose of these chambers is to measure the radiation
pattern and characteristics of a radiator

1. Frequency range: This may determine if a tapered or

rectangular chamber should be used

2. Far field Requirement:Directly related to the previous

requirement since is related to the
wavelength at the lowest frequency:
2
Requirements S2 d
d lowest freq.
The far field distance will determine
the path length and hence the
chamber length.

3. Quiet Zone Size:

 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: Requirements

3. Quiet Zone Size: Test region where the level of
reflected energy is equal or smaller
than certain specified value

Must be large enough to encompass

the largest antenna being measured:
Can be:
Requirements •Spherical
•Cubical volume
•Cylindrical
It also determines the size of the
chamber, the rule of thumb is that
width and height of chamber be at
least 3 times the Qz diameter or side.

4. Source Antenna Selection:

 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: Requirements

4. Source Antenna Selection:
Rectangular chamber: the source antenna
must have a pattern that illuminates the whole
Qz while avoiding the side walls.

Requirements

Tapered chambers: Small antennas better.

15dB gain at least. No LPDA as phase center
moves.
5. Back wall Absorber normal incidence must be at least
equal to Qz level, avoid lights, cameras and
Considerations: doors, ( for both rectangular and tapered.)
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chambers: Rectangular and

Tapered
• Rectangular • Tapered
• Free Space condition • Quasi-free Space.
• What Antennas can be • Absorber treatment is used to create a
measured? Omni-directional far field free space behavior of the
and directional. waves at the location of the antenna
under test.
• Lower frequency antenna patterns can
be measured
• It can be used for High frequency
testing but positioning of the source
antenna is critical
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chambers: Rectangular and

Tapered
CRITERIA RECTANGULAR TAPERED

Antenna Patterns Poor at LF, good at Good at Low Mid and

mid and HF High F
Source placement Not critical Critical at HF
Source antenna Limited by Far field 15dB directivity
Axial ratio <0.1dB <0.5dB
Cross polarization > 35dB >25dB
Swept frequency Ideal configuration Not recommended
measurements
Amplitude taper (Qz) Freq. independent Freq. Dependent
Phase deviation (Qz) Freq. independent Freq. Dependent
Boresite error low Potentially high
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber Rectangular I Top (or side view)

Pyramid

2

Qz
Pyramid
B

Path length
Pyramid

Pyramid

A  PL  Qz  2 absorber depth  A

PL 2 d
2
lowest freq.

B 3 Qz or more accuratelly

B Qz  4 lowest freq.  2 absorber depth 
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber Rectangular II

Design of Rectangular chambers:
The application of the chamber will determine the Qz size and the Path length and
with it the size of the chamber

Determining the specular performance:

Based on the thickness of absorber the
behavior at different incident angles can be
computed.
Assume a chamber with: width “B”; path Path length Qz
length “L”; Qz radius “r”, then  r B


 tan  1 ( dL ) d

 tan  1 ( dL )
d B  r
It is desirable to have  <45º
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber Rectangular III

With the value of  it is possible (based on the thickness of the absorber in terms of
wavelengths) to determine the expected reflectivity.

With the known directivity of the antenna and

The knowledge of  it is possible to compute
The gain of the antenna in that direction

The reflection at the edge of the quiet zone Path length Qz

Is given by: 


Qzreflectivity  Rat   Gat 

Where R is the absorber reflectivity and G is the gain of the source antenna
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: The Absorber

Treatment

Back wall Normal Reflectivity better than QZ level

(receive end wall)

Side wall
Oblique incidence Reflectivity with off
main beam gain better than QZ level
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: The Absorber

Treatment
Side wall absorber is only needed on those areas
where a specular reflection exists between the
source and the QZ

Everywhere else
shorter absorber can
be used
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: The Absorber

Treatment
Transmit end wall absorber can have a reflectivity
that when added to the front to back ratio of the
source antenna it meets the required QZ level
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: The Absorber

Treatment
1. For a given pyramid element size chosen there is no expected backscattering
component. The scattered field is a sum of all the possible grating lobe waves
which propagate in different directions, Only those where the following condition
is satisfied contribute to the scattering at a distance [*]
2 2
 i 2m   i 2n 
 ky     kx    k 2

 D y   Dx 

2. For m=0 and n=0 we have specular reflection only. For higher order modes to
propagate we see that the period of the structure has to be larger than the
wavelength
2 2
  D
D 
3. [*] W. Sun, C. Balanis “Analysis and Design of Periodic Absorbers by Finite-Difference
Frequency-Domain Method” report No. TRC-EM-WS-9301 Telecommunications
Research Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 1993.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: The Absorber

Treatment
At high frequencies the antenna under test may re-
scattered the backscattered energy from the
pyramidal absorber surrounding it
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: The Absorber

Treatment
1. Traditionally in RCS chambers the backscatter of the side walls
(and ceiling/floor pair) is to be reduced using Wedge. By using
wedge around the QZ section of the chamber we can improve
the quality of the measurements at high frequencies
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber: The Absorber

Treatment
Top (or side view)

Pyramid
Wedge
2

Qz
Pyramid
B

Pyramid

Wedge

Pyramid

A
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Far Field and QZ

Absorber reflectivity, chamber size,

QZ f (x ) Gain of source antenna

FF f (x ) Antenna size and frequency of operation

 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Far Field and QZ

Knowing the chamber size, absorber layout,

Gain of source antenna, and QZ diameter

f (x )

QZ reflectivity can be found. For any frequency.

But that does not imply that the whole QZ is in the FF
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Far Field and QZ

If the path length is fixed

That it is possible to
determine what is the QZ
diameter that will be in the
far field assuming
illumination by spherical
waves from a point source
at the location of the
source antenna
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Far Field and QZ

So for a given size
ANECHOIC CHAMBER DESIGN SUMMARY
Chamber we can
Job # : 0 Customer: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
provide the QZ 19-Aug-03 Location: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
reflectivity for a set of SPHERICAL Quiet Zone 2 ft. dia.
frequencies and Receive Endwall Abs Size = EHP-24 EHP- 24 CL
different source Specular Region Abs Size = EHP-18 EHP- 18 CL
antenna gains. Dimensions are (LxWxH)= 20 x 10 x 10
Path Length (ft) = 13

The example shows a RCV Ant. Discrimination added

Angle of Incidence = 57.3 Degrees
20ft by 10ft by 10 ft
SIDE WALLS, FLOOR/CEILING CALCULATIONS FOR
chamber with 18” and
ANECHOIC CHAMBER QUIET ZONE PERFORMANCE
24” absorber and a 2ft WORST CASE GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE
diameter QZ. Source Antenna Gain (DB)
Frequency Wavelength Thickness/ Absorber Spec 5 10 15 18

(MHz) (inches)  Reflectivity (-DB)

1000 11.82 1.52 24 25 25 27 35 38
2000 5.91 3.05 33 34 36 43 45
2500 4.73 3.81 35 35 37 39 47 51
7000 1.69 10.66 48 50 49 51 55 55
8000 1.48 12.18 50 50 52 55 55
9000 1.31 13.71 52 50 51 53 55 55
14000 0.84 21.32 53 52 53 55 55
18000 0.66 27.41 53 50 52 53 55 55
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Far Field and QZ

freq (MHz) c lambda QZ ft QZ m PL m PL ft

1000 3.00E+08 0.3 2.5 0.762 3.87096 13
2000 3.00E+08 0.15 1.8 0.54864 4.013411 13
But of the given 2ft of 3000 3.00E+08 0.1 1.45 0.44196 3.906573 13
QZ and for a fixed 13ft
4000 3.00E+08 0.075 1.25 0.381 3.87096 13
path length only
6000 3.00E+08 0.05 1.05 0.32004 4.097024 13
smaller spheres are in
the FF of the source 8000 3.00E+08 0.0375 0.9 0.27432 4.013411 13
antenna 10000 3.00E+08 0.03 0.8 0.24384 3.963863 13
18000 3.00E+08 0.016667 0.6 0.18288 4.013411 13
40000 3.00E+08 0.0075 0.4 0.12192 3.963863 13
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber Tapered I

Tapered chamber concept was develop to avoid the deficiencies of the Rectangular
chambers at low frequencies
At frequencies below 500MHz: Horns are no longer an option (very large).
Less efficient antennas must be used.
The thickness of the side wall absorber has to be
increased to allow for good
performance (and the chamber size
increases to accommodate absorber).

Tapered chambers do not eliminate the specular reflection. The specular region is located
close to the aperture of the source antenna.
Top (or side view)
Pyramid
The resulting Quiet Zone amplitude
2
and phase tapers approach those Wedge
Expected in free-space hence the term
Wedge Qz
Pyramid Pyramid
QUASI-FREE-SPACE
Wedge

Pyramid
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber Tapered II

This area absorber is critical Top (or side view)
Pyramid

This area
absorber is less
than ¾  2
Wedge
thickness

Qz
Wedge Pyramid
Pyramid

Wedge

Pyramid

Testing antenna
Std Horn or ridge horn dipole minimum, No Log Periodic (phase center moves
away from the side walls)
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

Antenna Chamber Tapered III

1. Qz needs to be 1/3w clear from the sides
2. half wavelength clear from absorber tips
B 3 Qz or more accuratelly
B Qz  4 lowest freq.  2 absorber depth 
3. Apex angle less than 28 deg. Hence length
B
Length (absorber width)  2LF  2
 
tan   Top (or side view)
2 Pyramid

 28o Wedge 2

Wedge  Qz
Pyramid Pyramid

Wedge

Pyramid
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

RCS Chambers I
• To measure Radar cross
section
• We only want reflection
from the target
Top (or side view)
• Wedge is used on part of Pyramid
the walls, ceiling and floor
Wedge
to reduce reflections from
incidence on the flat part
of the pyramids.
• The target illumination
B Pyramid
mechanism changes
depending on frequency
and type of radar. Pyramid
Wedge

Pyramid
A
A/3
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

The RCS Chamber

• To measure Radar cross section (That is, the energy that bounces back from
a target to the source of the original incident signal MONOSTATIC, or to a
receiver located at a different point BISTATIC)
• We only want reflection from the target coming back
• Wedge is used on part of the walls, ceiling and floor to reduce reflections
from incidence on the flat part of the pyramids.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

RCS Chambers II
• Reflection of the back wall will
limit how small of a RCS can be
measured in the chamber.

• Assuming a good target

illumination system is used the
D RCS of the back wall can be
given by the RCS of an infinite
reflective wall

RCS  D 2

• Minus the normal incidence

reflectivity of the absorber
placed on the back wall.
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

RCS Chamber: Target Illumination

Top (or side view) Top (or side view)
Pyramid Pyramid
Wedge Wedge

B Pyramid B Pyramid

Pyramid Pyramid
Wedge Wedge

Pyramid Pyramid
A A
A/3 A/3

Always try to reduce the any energy going to Top (or side view)
Pyramid
the side walls.
Wedge
• Two antennas (one receive one transmit)
• One antenna (receive and transmit)
• Compact range reflector B Pyramid

Pyramid
Wedge

Pyramid
A
A/3
 Copyright 2003, ETS-Lindgren, L.P.

References
• Brownell F. P. “Radio Frequency Anechoic
Chambers” lecture materials, Microwave Antenna
Measurement short Course, fb Consultants
Camarillo,California.
• Kraus J. D. Antennas, 2d Ed. McGraw Hill:
Boston, Ma, 1988.
• Balanis C. A. Antenna Theory: Analysis and
design, 2d Ed, Wiley: New York, NY, 1997.
• Liu K. Private Communication