A compact range fed by an array of log-periodic dipole antennas

Compact ranges have traditionally used reflector antennas for illumination, but these are typically only usable at high frequencies, such that the reflector is a substantial number of wavelengths in width. For lower frequencies, control of the aperture illumination is better achieved by using an array antenna: the authors describe the design of such an antenna array to synthesise an approximation to a plane wave in a test volume in the near field. The design procedures discussed are based on numerical pattern synthesis methods. In order to investigate the criteria for use of the array in wideband applications, the authors used an array of log-periodic dipole antennas