Influence of atmospheric conditions on mmWave CATR facilities: Formulation and compensation scheme

Abstract

Abstract-The performance of a CATR relies on the planarity of the synthesized test wave, which is generated within a bounded volume for which specifications are drawn. Millimetre-wave facilities deal with the classical limitations of this frequency band, among which two become critical in our analysis: time-extensive acquisition campaigns and impact of environmental variables. Both features become more evident when increasing the frequency of operation. The variation in atmospheric variables, such as humidity, temperature and pressure has an influence over the performance of all the elements of the facility. The instrumentation behavior is influenced both by the warming up process, and the ambience conditions that surround the equipment. On the changes of the atmosphere itself, they affect the electromagnetic wave propagation, given the physical link between the conditions of the atmosphere and its electric properties as an electromagnetic waves propagation medium.

Verification of the shaped beam feed for high aperture usage efficiency single offset parabolic reflector compact antenna test range

“…The edge treatment of reflector was recognized as a critical effect solution to minimize edge diffraction effects, as demonstrated by the early designs of CATR. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Although the reflector edge treatment can improve aperture usage efficiency, it can hardly be up to 50%.…”