I.E. Makushkin, A.S. Zubov, A.Е. Dorofeev, P.A. Ageev

Compact range for antenna measurements АКК-12 was set in operation in «NIIP Tikhomirova» in 2007. Nowdays modern antenna systems, such as AESA, which includes thousands T/R modules, as well as receiver and transmitter are a part of antenna, some problems in measurement of characteristics appear. First active measurements (when AESA is tested as a transmitter), with specially lowered radiated power, show that built original compact range doesn-t suit this application. Modernization of measurement complex, concluded fast switch methods, is proposed. The main thing of the upgrade was in use of microwave electronically controlled switches, connected by coaxial cables forming the commutation device, and a number of directional couplers. All electronically controlled devices was operated by PC and several specific devices, which are included in original compact range. PC and control devices are connected by means of simple hub. Proposed upgraded compact range can be used for testing the radiation patterns of active antenna systems with high level radiated power, placed in aechoic chamber of comact range, effective radiated power measurements, and others. It must be noticed, that the number of manually made connections for changing the type of measurement (T or R) are minimized, that is minimizing the human factor, which has negative influence on measurement accuracy, that by-turn is improving security level of compact range stuff.