A SPHERE TECHNIQUE FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF THREE DIMENSIONAL RADIATION PATTERNS
Abstract
The Sphere Technique for the Measurement of Three-Dimensional Radiation Patterns from radars involves measuring the radiation reflected from a large conductive sphere suspended below a tethered balloon. The system is passive in that all of the measurement equipment is located on the ground and removed from the radar antenna. Tests showed that the sphere is a good reflector, that there are no basic differences in the technique, and that there is sufficient dynamic range in the measurement equipment to permit detailed side and back lobe examination of the radiation patterns. The measurement antennas and shielding techniques were designed specifically to achieve isolation from the direct radiation of the transmitting radar. Isolations of approximately 75db were achieved and the ratio between signal level received from the sphere and signal level received directly from the radar could be maintained sufficiently large so as to insure valid data. It is concluded that the Sphere Technique is valid, and it is recommended that field measurements be undertaken to provide for a comparative analysis of measurements made by other techniques. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 10, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0260532
Entities
People
- Francis Tormollan
- Fred J. Morris