RF Test

Antenna Verification Testing & RF Commissioning

The RF commissioning of a new ground station signifies the finalization of the project. The end-customer has invested significant capital on their system, and needs to be sure that they’ve received what they’ve paid for. The required G/T figure of merit drives the communications system engineer’s reflector sizing determination. With size, comes cost. For this specific reason, the antenna manufacturer needs to prove that their product performs exactly as specified once the installation is complete. Parity, absolute specialists in antenna verification testing, performs the measurements necessary that will either prove or disprove this performance. We are unbiased in our test services, and simply allow experience and the absolute laws of physics & mathematics to qualify the antenna system. A common phrase heard at Parity is “the numbers don’t lie”. Whether on site for the customer or the manufacturer – repeatability is the standard, and Parity ensures that the numbers prove performance, not spec-sheets, handshakes, or promises.

RF Tests at the System Level

EQ & HPA alignment, Gain-Slope-Ripple, TOIs, PIMs, Spectral Noise Density, System Dynamic Range & Output Noise Density, Noise figure, Gain Stability, Passive/Active IMPs, Frequency Response, Group Delay, System VSWR, Interpath Isolation to name just some of the RF test that Parity performs.

RF Tests at the Antenna Level

Sub-reflector optimization, Antenna Pattern Measurments, Gain by BW/Pattern Integration, Transmit to Receive Isolation, Port-Port Isolation, Intermods/PIMs, and Pointing Accuracy (BRE) are all standard Parity tests. Upon completion of any verification testing, a comprehensive test report containing all results will be provided to the customer for their permanent records.

This report will serve as documented proof of the antenna’s performance, for future reference.