Performance analysis of a compact range in the time domain

Measuring radiation patterns in the time domain provides the antenna characteristics over a wide-frequency spectrum in a single measurement. Such an advantage over traditional measurements in the frequency domain makes the practical implementation of time-domain measurements in compact ranges particularly attractive. In this paper, the time-varying performance of the compact range's quiet zone and plane-wave spectrum are analyzed and supported with simulations. This feasibility study preceded the implementation of a time-domain measurement system in the compact antenna test range of the European Space Research and Technology Center. Measurement results of a linear array are also presented to illustrate the new capabilities of the compact range.