NBS calibration procedures for horizontal dipole antennas (25 to 1000 MHz)

The theoretical basis and test procedures for calibrating horizontally polarized dipole antennas at the National Bureau of Standards are discussed. Two different techniques and two different test sites are used. In the standard antenna method, a field-strength level is calculated from the response of a simple half-wave dipole. This method is used at an open-field site in the frequency range of 25 to 1000 MHz. In the standard-field method, the theoretical gain equations of waveguides and horn antennas are used to determine the field-strength level. This latter method is used in an anechoic chamber in the frequency range of 200 to 1000 MHz. Procedures for both techniques are explained and measurement setups are illustrated. Measurement uncertainties are discussed.<>