Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) recently announced the commissioning of a 117-square-meter spherical near-field antenna test chamber. By deploying RF and microwave foam absorbers, the facility achieves precise near-field sampling of antennas and supports mathematical transformation to generate far-field data. This facility overcomes traditional testing limitations, enabling complete acquisition of three-dimensional antenna radiation patterns and providing high-performance evaluation support for key technologies such as cellular networks, satellite communications, and 5G positioning and navigation.
Near-field measurements focus on the complex electromagnetic fields surrounding the antenna, while far-field analysis targets predictable plane-wave characteristics. Dr. Jimmy Li, Principal Engineer in SwRI's Defense and Intelligence Solutions Division, stated: "Spherical data acquisition enables the capture of radiation patterns for all types of antennas, offering greater flexibility than traditional planar or cylindrical testing." The test chamber is equipped with a half-ton overhead crane capable of installing large antennas up to 3 meters in diameter and weighing 1,000 pounds. It operates across a frequency band from 200MHz to 40GHz and achieves rapid data collection through continuous rotational sampling. Its core advantages include: Avoiding weather interference and FCC transmission restrictions associated with outdoor testing; Supporting full-process analysis such as antenna fault diagnosis, array performance evaluation, and reflector mapping
"Indoor testing environments free us from outdoor constraints such as antenna height," emphasized Nils Smith, Vice President of SwRI's Defense and Intelligence Solutions. "This significantly enhances testing flexibility and depth of data analysis." The facility is currently serving government agencies including the Navy and Air Force, as well as industry clients. Future upgrades will support millimeter-wave technology—a core component for ultra-high-speed 5G data transmission. By integrating antenna design with signal processing software development capabilities, SwRI is building a comprehensive testing system covering the full chain from R&D to certification.
