A 160 GHZ Polarimetric Compact Range for Scale Model RCS Measurements
Abstract
A fully polarimetric compact range operating at 160 GHz has been developed for obtaining X-band radar cross-section (RCS) measurements on 1:16th scale-model targets. The transceiver consists of a fast switching, stepped, continuous wave, X-band synthesizer driving dual X16 transmit multiplier chains and dual X16 local oscillator multiplier chains. The system alternately transmits horizontal (H) and vertical (V) radiation while simultaneously receiving H and V. Software range gating is used to reject unwanted spurious responses in the compact range. A flat disk and a rotating circular dihedral are used for polarimetric as well as RCS calibration. Cross-polarization rejection ratios of better than 40 dB are routinely achieved. The compact range reflector consists of a 60-inch diameter, CNC-machined aluminum mirror fed from the side to produce a clean 20-inch quiet zone. The range has capabilities for both free-space and ground-plane measurements. A fully automated positioning and calibration system allows unattended range operation 24 hours a day. The comparison between a computer prediction and scale-model measurement on a relatively complex target was shown to be in good agreement. Because small models are inexpensive to fabricate and since range space requirements are modest, submillimeter compact ranges are proving to be a cost-effective, viable complement to full-scale systems and computer codes. A complete description of this 160 GHz compact range along with measurement examples are presented in this paper.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA462248
Entities
People
- J. Neilson
- Jerry Waldman
- Michael J. Coulombe
- S. Carter
- T. Horgan
- William Nixon
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Lowell