Compact range measurement systems for electrically small test zones

Traditional range requirements are evaluated for spherical and compact range measurement systems. It is shown that a compact range system is more appropriate for targets three wavelengths (λ) and larger because of the chamber size needed to meet these requirements. Commercially available compact range systems are, however, normally restricted to 10 λ or larger targets because of the excessive diffraction associated with currently available compact range reflectors. It is shown that this limitation could be overcome by using a blended rolled edge compact range reflector. For example, a 9 λ×9 λ blended rolled edge reflector can be used to measure 3 λ targets at the lowest frequency of operation. As the frequency of operation increases, the test zone of the reflector approaches one half the reflector´s linear dimension, which is consistent with presently available compact range systems