The Compact Test Range (CTR) of the DLR Microwaves and Radar Institute in Oberpfaffenhofen is an indoor antenna measurement facility for the high-precision characterisation of antenna properties over a frequency range of 0.2-100 GHz. Due to its very large measuring zone with a diameter of 3.4 metres and a 6-axis turntable with a load capacity of 270 kilograms, antennas can be analysed together with their support structures and aerodynamic mouldings. In this way, electromagnetic impact of the antenna environment on the antenna characteristics can be measured directly in real time.
A special measuring chamber for examining antennas
DLR’s CTR comprises a shielded measuring chamber lined with microwave absorbers, in which two specially shaped metal mirrors generate flat wavefronts that enable far-field measurements at short distances. Air conditioning in the chamber ensures stable ambient conditions for the measurements. The large-scale research facility is characterised by very high amplitude, phase and angular accuracy. It is primarily used to measure and verify the electromagnetic properties of newly developed antennas and structures. The determination of the radar backscatter cross-section (RCS) of active and passive radar calibration targets are complementing the measuring chamber's application fields.
The Microwaves and Radar Institute develops antennas for the fields of radar remote sensing and radiometry. Other DLR facilities have antennas for communication, navigation, telemetry/telecommand or data transmission measured. The CTR services are as well available to external customers for measuring their antenna prototypes.
Contact
Markus Limbach
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Microwaves and Radar Institute
SAR Technology
Münchener Straße 20, 82234 Oberpfaffenhofen-Weßling
Bernd Gabler
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Microwaves and Radar Institute
SAR Technology
Münchener Straße 20, 82234 Oberpfaffenhofen-Weßling
Volker Speelmann
Head of Research Infrastructures
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Executive Board department for Innovation, Transfer and Research Infrastructure
