RIGOROUS TESTING FOR A COMPETITIVE EDGE
Accelerate Your Design and Engineering with Micro-Ant’s AS9100-Certified Testing Facilities.
At Micro-Ant, we take immense pride in our expertise and comprehensive offerings in RF microwave antenna testing. Our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions sets us apart as a leader in the industry. We focus on testing to the highest standard of excellence, and our test data and reports are regularly used by satellite companies, government agencies, and defense organizations to characterize and certify antennas.
A Welcome from Curtis, our RF Testing Director
State-of-the-art AS9100-Certified Testing Facility
We have state-of-the-art testing facilities designed to test microwave frequency antennas. Our Near-Field scanners can test antennas from 750MHz to 40GHz and up to 2 meters in size. We have developed methodologies for testing flat panel antennas, beamforming antennas, wideband antennas, and antennas that must be mounted to ground planes.
Expertise and Technical Support:
Micro-Ant boasts a team of experienced professionals with deep antenna design and evaluation expertise. We can provide valuable technical guidance, insights, and support throughout testing.
Convenient Location and Accessibility:
Micro-Ant’s US-based testing facilities offer manufacturers the advantage of reduced travel time and costs, enabling more efficient collaboration and quicker iterations in the evaluation of their antenna designs.
Compliance with Stringent Specifications:
Micro-Ant’s facilities ensure strict adherence to specifications and standards, allowing manufacturers to accurately evaluate their antenna designs and validate their performance against tight requirements.
Expanded Testing Capacity:
Micro-Ant’s facilities provide ample testing capacity, increasing the likelihood of securing testing slots within desired timeframes and minimizing potential delays in project timelines.
Confidentiality and IP Protection:
Micro-Ant understands the importance of safeguarding sensitive designs and intellectual property. We prioritize confidentiality and have measures in place to protect the information shared by manufacturers.
Data Interpretation and Analysis:
Micro-Ant’s experts can assist manufacturers in effectively interpreting and analyzing the testing data, offering valuable insights to aid in design decisions and optimization.
Antenna Testing Expertise:
Our testing professionals have deep expertise in advanced electromagnetics with over 100 years of antenna testing experience. They have built and maintained over a dozen ranges and test sites over their careers. Our engineers stay up-to-date on the latest FCC and Satellite Operator test requirements and have an excellent track record for the accuracy and quality of their test reporting. They are equipped to handle diverse testing requirements and ensure accurate and reliable results.
Testing Options:
Micro-Ant offers a diverse range of electromagnetic testing options tailored to the specific needs of our customers. Our comprehensive suite of services includes:
Our antenna and RF engineering team can also advise on design or manufacturing if needed. With our expertise, we can evaluate antennas’ electromagnetic characteristics, ensuring compliance with your engineering requirements.
Certification Ready Antenna Test Reports:
The Micro-Ant team has tested and submitted data and professional test reports to all the significant GEO satellite operators, as well as for military certification and, most recently, LEO and MEO satellite operators.
Micro-Ants antenna test reports and data have been used to certify antennas for ARSTRAT Certifications, Iridium Certus Certifications, Intelsat and Intelsat Flex Certification, Eutelsat Certifications, Inmarsat and Inmarsat Global Express Certifications, SES O3B Certifications, Thuraya and Huges.
We test antennas for every application, including Coms-on-the-Move, Beamforming, Airborne antennas for Helicopter and Fuselage Mount, and Body-Worn Antennas.
TWO RF TEST RANGES
Spherical Near-field Scanner
Planar Near-field Scanner
| Spherical Near-field Scanner | Planar Near-field Scanner | |
| Frequency Range | Frequencies from 750 MHz to 40 GHz | Frequencies 6 GHz to 40 GHz |
| Maximum Test Antenna Dimensions | Unit under test size up to 2 meters | Unit under test size up to 1.3 meters |
| Chamber Dimensions | 34’x24’x16’Fully Enclosed Anechoic Chamber | 15’x12’x12’ Semi Enclosed Anechoic Chamber |
| Antenna Measurement Equipment | AMETEK NSI-MI 700S-60 spherical near-field scanner | AMETEK NSI-MI PNF-XYV-1.5X1.5 planar near-field scanner |
| Measurement Types | Phi over Theta near-field and direct far-field capability | X, Y, and Z translation movement |
| Scan Ranges | Full 360° X 360° pattern coverage for certification and compliance measurements | ±60° Pattern Envelope Data (maximum, depending on size and frequency) |
| Pattern Type and Use Cases | ±180° Full Pattern Envelope Data Availability | Fast pattern generation for production and design verification |
| Data Delivery | Secure data delivered over our FTP site | Secure data delivered over our FTP site |
Spherical Near-field Scanner
Planar Near-field Scanner
Bencht S-Parameter Testing
Additional Benchtop Testing Capabilities
10 MHz to 40 GHz S-Parameter Testing
A suite of Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers and Signal Analyzers are available
Why Near-field Scanning?
At the completion of a near-field scan we have the information to create the full pattern envelope for the unit under test. The number of frequencies that can be measured during each scan is not limited; one, 20, 100 or more is possible. Any slice or plane through that pattern envelope can then be plotted and saved as a picture and as raw amplitude/phase data. Azimuth, Elevation, Theta, Phi, Omni and Conical plane data can be generated at any angle increment. This scan can be saved, and then next week, next month or next year, plots and data can be generated to apply to any new requirements or opportunities.
On-Site Witnessed or Remote Antenna Testing:
We are committed to ensuring you can get your antenna product tested quickly and accurately. So we have developed a requirements gathering process and automated test processing software to ensure you have the best and fastest experience. Our testing facilities are conveniently located in the Baymeadows Business Park in Jacksonville, FL – less than 2 hours from the Kennedy Space Center and Melbourne. If you cannot attend in person, we can still test your antenna at no extra charge. Please note, however, that the customer is always responsible for any fees associated with shipping and insuring units and fixtures to us for remote testing. We will store your units securely for 14 days before and 14 days after testing at no extra charge.
To Get Started:
To get a quote and schedule time for RF testing, please complete the attached Antenna Testing Customer Requirements Form and then click Start Testing to send the form to us. We will review this form and reach out with questions, a quote, or to schedule an appointment.
State-of-the-Art Facilities:
Understanding that each project is unique, we provide customized testing solutions. Our experienced team works closely with customers to understand their specific requirements. Whether for military, commercial, or scientific applications, we have the expertise to conduct precise and rigorous tests and provide accurate antenna characterization.
Quality Assurance:
Quality is at the forefront of everything Micro-Ant does. We are in the business of accuracy. As an AS9100-certified company, we adhere to the highest standards of excellence in documentation, data and product storage, process adherence, and customer service. We have tested over 350 products at our facilities and developed custom-testing solutions for production-level antenna testing. Our commitment to quality ensures our customers receive the most precise and trustworthy data.
Expert Consultation and Support:
We believe in fostering strong partnerships with our clients by providing expert consultation and support. Our team of experienced professionals is always ready to provide technical guidance, offer insights, and address any concerns throughout the antenna testing process. We work collaboratively with our clients, ensuring their needs are met, and their antenna systems perform optimally.
Choose Micro-Ant for Electromagnetic Testing:
When it comes to electromagnetic testing, Micro-Ant is the trusted choice. With our expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we provide reliable, accurate, and customized testing solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive electromagnetic testing services.
Antenna Design and Development: At Micro-Ant.com, we excel in designing and developing microwave frequency antennas. Our skilled engineers harness their deep understanding of antenna theory and electromagnetic principles to create antennas that deliver exceptional performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of antenna measurement services do you offer at Micro-Ant?
We test antennas up to 2m diameter covering frequencies in the upper UHF band, L-Band, S-Band, X-Band, Ku, and Ka Band (from 750MHz to 40GHz). We can conduct antenna characterization or provide a fully submittable report for satellite operators following their data formatting and procedures. Standard testing requirements include antenna patterns, return loss, and insertion loss.
Can you provide more information about your antenna design and development capabilities?
Micro-Ant is an award-winning antenna design and manufacturing company known for developing the world’s first Inmarsat GX certified antennas, the first vehicle-mounted satellite antennas for SiriusXM, and the first compliant Ultra-Wide Band Ka Antenna. Micro-Ant’s antenna design team and production facilities are available for customers needing a unique microwave frequency range antenna.
What testing facilities do you have, and what equipment and instrumentation are available?
- Two Near-Field Scanners for pattern measurements
- Bench test equipment including Network, Spectrum and Signal Analyzers
- Labview expertise for automation of testing and analysis
- FTP access for the customer to all their data
Can your testing facilities evaluate antennas for both military and commercial applications?
We have extensive experience evaluating antennas and radomes for military markets, including COTM, ARSTRAT, and Custom Military Frequency Antennas and Radars.
We also have decades of experience evaluating commercial antennas for airborne applications, IoT devices, Precision GPS and Phase Center Accuracy, maritime antennas, and antennas embedded in devices or worn on the human body.
What type of antenna products do you test and measure?
At Micro-Ant, we can test passive antennas and radomes in the 750 MHz (L-Band) to 40 GHz (Ka-Band) range.
We can measure flat panel antennas, parabolic antennas, helical and bi/quadrifilar antennas, horn and lens antennas, beamforming antennas, and patch and array antennas. Shaped-array antennas, gregorian and offset antennas, antenna components including feeds, OMTs, polarizers, reflectors, and more.
Can you provide examples of previous projects or clients you have worked with in antenna measurement services?
Micro-Ant is an award-winning antenna design and manufacturing company – the Micro-Ant Testing Facilities have tested all antennas developed by Micro-Ant.
Notable recent examples include the X, Ku, and Ka Band antennas in the Ultra ULV Series, which were awarded Arstrat Certification. The Ka and Ku Flat Panel Antennas are integrated into several commercial and military products, including the L3Harris Shadow and L3Harris Darkwing Products with Intelsat Flex and Inmarsat CAT 3 & 4 Certifications, respectively. Also, the high phase center accurate Precision GPS antennas used in Agriculture – where antenna testing also required verification of phase center across a wide range of frequencies.
What technical consultation and support can I expect from your team throughout the testing process?
Once you submit the intake form – our team will be notified of your interest. We will send you detailed specifications and terms & conditions requirements form to get us started. Once you submit the form, our team will schedule a 30-minute consultation call to ensure you have all the documentation you need for fixturing and ask any questions to help us prepare. You will meet our test program manager over the phone and have their contact information to reach out and get your questions answered quickly throughout the process.
What is the typical turnaround time for antenna measurement services?
Turnaround time depends on the length and complexity of the test and the preparation required for it. We recommend planning for four weeks – ensuring you have the fixturing and the antenna has time to arrive and be fitted into our anechoic chambers.
Are there any specific certifications or industry standards your testing facilities adhere to?
Our testing department is experienced with standard FCC-regulated submissions for satellite operators, including Eutelsat, Intelsat, Inmarsat, SES O3B, Iridium, Arstrat, Thuraya, and more. We can create a formatted report adhering to the highest standards of documentation required.
We can also create a custom report based on any characterization you need. Our facilities have several standard ground planes for testing under realistic conditions. We will also work with you if you want to employ a custom testing fixture.
How do you handle confidentiality and protect sensitive information regarding our antenna designs?
Each customer receives a unique project code and custom FTP site access. All testing data and reports will be stored securely, with password-protected access. All antenna units will be stored under the customer project code and tracked via our ERP system to ensure confidentiality and storage adhering to our AS9100 quality standards.
What sets your antenna measurement services apart from other providers in the industry?
Micro-Ant’s state-of-the-art spherical and planar near-field chambers are optimized for testing antennas in the 750MHz to 40GHz range. Our testing team has developed software and processing to quickly process data even from the most challenging tests. We can turn around testing swiftly and ensure you have an outstanding customer experience.
How can I utilize your testing facilities for my antenna measurement needs?
Please begin by filling out our Testing Requirements Intake Form. Once we review the form, we will follow up with you to gather additional information and schedule a call. We have standard testing facility pricing and can quickly turn around a quote for your review.