Compact range illumination using an array of log-periodic dipole antennas

The use of an array of log-periodic dipole antennas (LPDA) for compact range illumination has been under investigation at Bradford University. Initial computational findings (previously published) showed that very good performance could be achieved with a seven element hexagonal array. The findings were for a single frequency and were not verified by hardware. The authors present the results of a hardware realisation of the LPDA array and compare computed and measured results in the frequency range 1 GHz to 2 GHz. Demonstration that adequate array performance can be achieved for some antenna measurements as well as for EMC testing is given. Results of a simpler five element array for EMC testing are also given. Finally, they compare the LPDA array performance with that of a parabolic reflector with an aperture size equivalent to that of the seven element array