Robotic Antenna Characterization System Based on Wideband FMCW Transceiver Modules

Abstract

This paper evaluates an automated antenna char-acterization system with two robotic arms, performing measurements through the use of two wideband radar transceivers based on the frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) principle. For this purpose, a radar system is used that covers large parts of the D-band and can perform measurements in the frequency range from 126 GHz to 182 GHz. In contrast to vector network analyzer (VNA) extension modules, the FMCW transceivers are lightweight, compact, and do not have sensitive RF cables to connect to the large host device. This allows for faster scanning, and better positioning accuracies and is much more cost efficient, providing an interesting solution in fabrication facilities. To demonstrate the capabilities, the paper presents antenna pattern measurements from 4 different (lens) antennas: an open waveguide, a 25 dBi horn antenna, a spherical (low gain), and an elliptic lens (high gain).