Wireless
LabVIEW-Based Antenna Measurements
by Kevin Mescher, The Virginia Tech
University Antenna Laboratory
The Challenge: Creating a state-
of-the-art automated antenna
measurement facility at Virginia Tech.
The Solution: Using LabVIEW to
provide a convenient way to accurately
measure antenna performance.
Introduction
As a result of the growth in wireless
communications, the design and testing of
antennas takes on renewed importance.
One of the important performance
characteristics of antennas is their radiation
pattern. These patterns are plotted to
describe how power radiation varies with
direction around the antenna.
While traditional antenna measurement
systems employ analog devices and
methods, movement toward digital systems
is slowed by the cost of new instrumentation.
As a compromise, many systems have
replaced the analog data output with digital
output, usually using a PC for data
acquisition and data processing.
Using LabVIEW, we have
created a sophisticated,
state-of-the-art, automated antenna
measurement system.
Multipath Distortion
A major difficulty encountered when trying
to measure antenna patterns is a
phenomenon called multipath distortion, in
which unwanted reflections of the
transmitted signal arrive at the antenna
under test and interfere with the direct
signal. The multipath distortion signal
distorts the measured antenna pattern.
Another characteristic of multipath
distortion is that all the reflected signals
arrive at the test antenna with a time delayed
CONTROL AND DISPLAY
from the direct
signal.
However, we can
reduce multipath
distortion effects by
using a large, open
outdoor test site for
the antenna range or
by taking
measurements
inside an anechoic
chamber. An
anechoic chamber
has walls that absorb
RF radiation,
reducing the
reflected signals. An The measurement screen of the Range Runner program shows the antenna
outdoor test site radiation patterns.
usually requires a
large open area,
often several acres or more. Both outdoor the processing.
ranges and anechoic chambers are We are completing a new anechoic
expensive to build and operate. chamber that uses modern digital
The Virginia Tech antenna range is on instrumentation based on a vector
the roof of a campus engineering network analyzer. In anticipation of the
building, which provides a secure open new chamber, we updated Range Runner
space. However, it also has objects that to operate with the network analyzer. A
can create multipath distortion. We new version of the LabVIEW-based
chose LabVIEW software for digital data software is much faster – it can collect
collection and display control on the 36,180 data points in five minutes, a
antenna range. We can apply LabVIEW speed increase of about 30 times. With
signal-processing techniques to the the new software, we can also calibrate
pattern measurement data to reduce the the network analyzer, and take more
range multipath distortion effects. To types of measurements.
mitigate the multipath distortion effects,
we used time-domain processing of the Results
received signals. Using LabVIEW, we have created a
sophisticated, state-of-the-art, automated
Hardware Control Software antenna measurement system. This
We wrote a LabVIEW-based program system is equivalent to commercial
called Range Runner to handle all the software that can cost tens of thousands of
hardware control for the Virginia Tech dollars. LabVIEW made all this possible
outdoor antenna range. It measures the by providing a convenient way to control
antenna radiation pattern and provides hardware, process the data, and provide a
pattern printouts via a laser printer. It also user-friendly interface for the program.1
has the ability to perform automated
time-domain processing, which filters For more information, contact
reflected signals out of the measured Dr. W.L. Stutzman, Director, Antenna Group,
pattern by giving the user full control over Virginia Tech University, 627 Whittemore Hall,
Blacksburg, VA 24061, tel (540) 231-6834.
National Instruments 9
Tel: (512) 794-0100 • Fax: (512) 683-9300 • info@ni.com • www.ni.com/telecom