Time-Domain Free-Field Electromagnetic Metrology

Project Goals

Time-domain measurement setup

Develop basic metrology and measurement techniques for a wide variety of applications such as antenna and sensor calibrations, EMC measurement facilities evaluation, shielding performance of commercial aircraft, non-destructive testing of electrical material properties, and precision standard-field generation.

Background

The burgeoning consumer electronics and wireless revolutions are placing a huge burden on the EMC regulatory communities. With the vast proliferation of electronics systems of all types and sizes, the emissions and immunity performance of these systems is of paramount importance, affecting issues such as health, safety, international trade, and U.S. competitiveness. The march of technology is relentless, and newer, more accurate, and more efficient metrological innovations need to be developed to keep pace with the increasing performance, speed, and frequency. The time-domain free-field project is well placed to provide cutting-edge innovation and support for this revolution through its development of novel techniques, standards committee representation, and cooperative interaction with the research, metrology, and industrial communities.

Tasks

The Time-Domain Project Members provide technical input and US representation to many national and international standards committees on topics from antenna calibrations to radiated emissions
Development of methods to test EMC and RF measurement facilities over broad frequency ranges and location of site imperfections
Development of accurate techniques to evaluate RF absorber in the 30–1000 MHz range and higher using small samples and non-permanent mounting techniques
Design and implement a low-cost, ultra-wideband measurements system to calibrate probes and RF antennas

Additional Information