Testing scaled prototypes for the SKA-AAlo: Experiences, issues and alternatives

This paper intends to explain an evaluation procedure for ultra-wideband antenna elements for the SKA-AAlo. The authors will focus on low-cost in-house fabrication and testing of scaled prototypes as a first step before moving to RF anechoic chambers (techniques such as time gating will be explained). This is helpful for both software validation and in order to test the operational characteristics of a constructed system (effect of the finite metallic ground plane, reflections from the environment, effect of feeding mechanism, etc.).