Rohde & Schwarz and Greenerwave Achieve Precise and Fast ESA Antenna Characterization Using Near-Field Technology

Why It Matters

The technique removes the bottleneck of large, expensive test chambers, accelerating development cycles and reducing costs for satellite communications hardware. Faster, accurate testing is critical as LEO constellations demand rapid antenna iteration.

Key Takeaways

• Near‑field test captured full Ku‑band pattern in 32 minutes.
• Accuracy within 1 dB matches simulation and CATR results.
• Eliminates need for large far‑field chambers for 0.5 m antennas.
• Enables faster, lower‑cost SATCOM antenna development cycles.
• Supports RIS‑based ESA designs with low power consumption.

Pulse Analysis

Testing high‑frequency satellite antennas has traditionally required massive far‑field chambers, especially for Ku‑ and Ka‑band arrays larger than half a meter. These facilities are costly to build and operate, and positioning the antenna on dual axes can extend test times to several hours. As LEO constellations proliferate, manufacturers need a faster, more flexible validation method that fits within typical R&D labs without sacrificing precision.

The joint trial by Rohde & Schwarz and Greenerwave leverages the R&S TS8991 near‑field system, a conical‑cut positioner, and the ZNA vector network analyzer to record ten Ku‑band frequencies across a 120° hemisphere in 32 minutes. A hardware‑triggered sweep and the FIAFTA near‑field‑to‑far‑field algorithm deliver pattern data that deviate by no more than 1 dB from both numerical twins and conventional CATR measurements. This level of fidelity, combined with rapid data acquisition, demonstrates that near‑field setups can replace bulky chambers for large ESA antennas while maintaining engineering confidence.

For the broader SATCOM market, the breakthrough lowers entry barriers for companies developing RIS‑based electronically steerable arrays, which promise lower power draw and reduced semiconductor reliance. Faster test cycles translate into shorter time‑to‑market for broadband, IoT, and backhaul satellite terminals, a critical advantage as operators race to populate low‑Earth‑orbit networks. The ability to integrate the system into standard labs also encourages more iterative design, potentially spurring innovation in beam‑forming technologies and supporting the next generation of high‑throughput satellites.