The Keysight (Agilent) F9650A Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) is a shielded enclosure that establishes a controlled electromagnetic environment for precise antenna performance measurement. The system delivers a highly uniform quiet zone engineered to support far-field pattern characterization while minimizing external interference and internal reflections. Its self-contained design enables accurate validation of antenna gain, radiation patterns, and polarization across aerospace, defense, automotive, and telecommunications applications within a compact footprint.
Technical Specifications
Electromagnetic Performance
• Shielding Effectiveness: Enclosure provides significant external electromagnetic interference attenuation; specific attenuation dependent on frequency range and shielding material composition
• Quiet Zone: Defines a region of highly uniform, plane-wave-like electromagnetic field optimized for accurate far-field pattern measurements
• Reflections: Internal design and absorber materials minimize unwanted reflections within the test volume
Measurement Capabilities
• Antenna Gain: Directional efficiency measurement
• Radiation Pattern: Azimuth (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) characterization
• Polarization: Electric field vector orientation measurement
• VSWR / Return Loss: Supported when used with appropriate RF test equipment
Physical Characteristics
• Enclosure Type: Shielded
– Key Features
• Self-contained, shielded design eliminates external electromagnetic interference
• Engineered quiet zone supports accurate far-field antenna characterization
• Optimized absorber materials reduce internal reflections
• Compact footprint suitable for laboratory and production environments
– Typical Applications
• Aerospace antenna validation
• Defense systems testing
• Automotive antenna measurement
• Telecommunications antenna characterization
– Compatibility & Integration
The F9650A integrates with standard RF test equipment for complete antenna parameter measurement. System installation requires site-specific dimensional and environmental planning.
