The Design of an Economical Antenna-Gain and Radiation-Pattern Measurement System

The design of a system capable of making antenna-gain and radiation-pattern measurements at 2.4 GHz is presented. System performance based on component specifications is summarized and compared to measured data. Antenna measurements taken using the system were compared to those obtained using commercially available test equipment in an anechoic test chamber. The accuracy of the system was found to be ±0.5 dB within a dynamic range of 13 dB plus the gains of the antennas in use. The system was shown to be capable of making high quality antenna radiation-pattern measurements in an anechoic test chamber. For a total cost of less than $1300, the system presents an economical alternative to more-sophisticated microwave measurement systems, and is well suited for use in a learning environment.