Probe based radiation pattern measurements for highly integrated millimeter-wave antennas

This paper presents the existing measurement solutions for integrated millimeter-wave antennas as well as the novel measurement assembly at the authors´ institute. This setup allows probe based radiation pattern, gain and return loss measurements of antennas in the frequency range between 50 and 110 GHz. In the setup a far field distance of 60 cm is achieved that allows the characterization of antenna arrays as well as complete packaging solutions that include a dielectric lens or a parabolic reflector. The use of a VNA and a custom made wafer chuck makes it possible to measure the antenna´s return loss in the same setup. A custom made bended waveguide and a horn antenna can be used to achieve a proper gain calibration. Using two rotary stages a receive antenna can be rotated around the antenna under test to measure its 3D radiation pattern.