A model for the number of independent samples in reverberation chambers

Antenna efficiency measurements in reverberation chambers are done by averaging a number of sampled power levels, measured while the mode stirrer rotates. The number of independent samples is the number of stirrer positions that give uncorrelated fields in the chamber, and thereby uncorrelated power levels. A larger number of samples gives a better accuracy of the measured value. This report presents a proposed theoretical model for the number of independent samples of a reverberation chamber, thereby giving a better understanding of how to optimize a chamber design. Measured data from chambers with three different types of stirrers are compared with the use of the model.