Standard Electromagnetic Fields

Project Goals

Open area test site

To develop methods and techniques for establishing continuous wave electromagnetic (EM) reference fields to 100 GHz. To maintain this measurement capability in support of U.S. industry through traceability and international compatibility of antenna standards.

Background

Well-defined EM reference fields are necessary for antenna calibrations, antenna research and development, evaluation of EM field probes, and EM interference measurements. Standards requirements need references to establish traceability and international compatibility. Industry requires a NIST-traceable EM field measurement capability to reduce barriers to world-wide acceptance of U.S. products and practices, based on the principles of one product, one technically valid international standard, one conformity assessment (1998 MSL Strategic Plan).

Tasks

Develop well-defined EM reference fields; necessary for antenna calibrations, antenna research and development, evaluation of EM field probes, and EM interference measurements
Develop standard EM reference fields above 50 GHz
Develop service to quantify the output from various reference emitters to address variations within U.S. industrial sites