Antenna Near-Field Probe Station Scanner

Abstract

A miniaturized antenna system is characterized non-destructively through the use of a scanner that measures its near-field radiated power performance. When taking measurements, the scanner can be moved linearly along the x, y and z axis, as well as rotationally relative to the antenna. The data obtained from the characterization are processed to determine the far-field properties of the system and to optimize the system. Each antenna is excited using a probe station system while a scanning probe scans the space above the antenna to measure the near field signals. Upon completion of the scan, the near-field patterns are transformed into far-field patterns. Along with taking data, this system also allows for extensive graphing and analysis of both the near-field and far-field data. The details of the probe station as well as the procedures for setting up a test, conducting a test, and analyzing the resulting data are also described.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A computer readable program stored in a tangible medium, said program comprising instructions for producing a grid work pattern of near-field signals radiated from a miniature antenna and for characterizing the far-field behavior of the antenna based upon the captured signals, comprising:
 a. A management software package having the keyed-in capability of controlling other embedded software packages;   b. An embedded software package that is controlled by the management software package and that is useful in mathematically performing a near-field to far-field transform; and   c. A visual software package that is controlled by the management software package and that has the capability of displaying near-field phase and magnitude plots and for showing three dimensional, contours, vertical cuts and horizontal cuts through the far-field pattern distribution of the antenna based upon the transforms performed by the mathematical software package.   
     
     
         16 . The computer readable system according to  claim 15  wherein the management software package includes a screen, means for the entry of scan parameters, including grid pattern to be used for taking a plurality of near-field measurements using a RF scanning probe, for moving said scanning probe to each measurement location within the grid, and for taking and recording each measurement. 
     
     
         17 . The computer readable system according to  claim 15  wherein the medium is selected from the group consisting of a floppy disc, a compact disc, a hard disc, a RAM a RUM, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . A software system for capturing the near-field power performance characteristics of a miniature antenna, for transforming the near-field characteristics to far-field properties, and for displaying the near-field and far-field performance patterns, comprising:
 a. A management software package having the keyed-in capability of controlling other embedded software packages;   b. An embedded software package that is controlled by the management software package and that is useful in mathematically performing a near-field to far-field transform; and   c. A visual software package that is controlled by the management software package and that has the capability of displaying near-field phase and magnitude plots and for showing three dimensional, contours, vertical cuts and horizontal cuts through the far-field pattern distribution of the antenna based upon the transforms performed by the mathematical software package.   
     
     
         19 . The software system according to  claim 18  wherein the management software package includes a screen for the entry of scan parameters including a grid pattern, for inputting the linear and rotational movement patterns of the scanner probe within the grid, for taking and recording each measurement, and for determining the status of the scan. 
     
     
         20 . The software system according to  claim 18  wherein the mathematical software package utilizes a two dimensional fast Fourier equation to make the transform.