The Electromagnetics group is pioneering both the development of new electromagnetic (EM) modeling techniques and the design, realization and characterization of novel EM systems. It is the group's ambition to remain a world-renowned authority in the domain of microwave and millimeter wave components and systems. For their validation, the EM lab possesses a versatile state-of-the-art testing environment for antennas, wireless communication/localization systems and EMI/EMC (Electromagnetic Interference/ Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing. Automated full 3-D radiation pattern measurements of passive, active and opto-electrical antenna systems are possible from 750 MHz up to 170 GHz. In addition, we are fully equipped to carry out system-oriented over-the-air measurements of fully integrated wireless communication and localization systems. In-depth link and channel characterization and EMI/EMC assessment of next-generation systems also belong to our expertise.

The central infrastructure of the EM lab consists of two full anechoic chambers, supporting standardized measurements:

• Anechoic chamber 1 (outer dimensions 8.1 m x 3.9 m x 3.6 m, Siepel) features a quiet zone diameter of 1 m, a measurement distance of up to 5 m and is equipped with the NSI-700S-30 Spherical Near-Field Measurement System, enabling near field (ideal for electrically large antennas) and far field measurements from 750 MHz up to 170 GHz.
• Anechoic chamber 2 (outer dimensions 6.2 m x 3.8 m x 3.6 m, Siepel) features a quiet zone diameter of 0.5 m, a measurement distance of up to 3 m and is equipped with an Orbit/FR Positioning System (Orbit/FR AL-360-1P) for measurements from 750 MHz up to 6 GHz. On-body measurements are also supported.

A Faraday measurement chamber of 16 m² is installed adjacent to anechoic chamber 1. Inside, the control system of the NSI-700S-30 system is installed, as well as:

• a Keysight PNA-X N5242B 4-port network analyzer up to 26.5 GHz, which can be employed separately as well as in combination with the NSI-700S-30 system
• VDI range extenders (compatible with the N5242B):
  • WRE 12e (55-96 GHz): through-reflect antenna radiation pattern measurements and OTA wireless communication measurements
  • 1x VDI TxRx mini (Keysight N5262BW12-STD)
  • 1x VDI CCU mini (Keysight N9029ACST-U12)
  • 1x VDI Rx-HS-HBW micro
  • WRE 6.5 (110-170 GHz): full two-port antenna radiation pattern measurements
  • 2x VDI TxRx mini (Keysight N5262BW06)
• a Keysight PNA E8364B (shared with CMST) 2-port network analyzer up to 50 GHz

Other supporting test equipment is available for relevant experimentation and testing:

• Keysight N9918A FieldFox 2-port Handheld Analyzer up to 26.5 GHz
• Agilent N5242B 4-port PNA-X Vector Network Analyser, 26.5 GHz
• Rohde & Schwarz ZNA67 4-port network analyzer up to 67 GHz
• Rohde & Schwarz FSV40 Spectrum Analyzer with external 60 GHz mixer
• Scientific Atlanta & NSI-MI Technologies Standard Gain Horns
• 8x NI USRP-2943R Software Defined Radio from 1.2 GHz to 6 GHz

For UWB-based consultancy, contract research, or solutions in localization and radar applications, visit UWB Expertise Hub. Their offerings include expertise in obstacle detection, vital sign monitoring, activity recognition, and device-free localization. Whether enhancing existing UWB solutions or starting from scratch, they provide ready-to-use software libraries, antennas, consultancy, and a user-friendly demo kit to efficiently and effectively realize UWB-enabled solutions.

In terms of computing facilities, the Electromagnetics Group benefits from access to Ghent University's Tier 1 Supercomputer. Additionally, the group operates several advanced multiprocessor servers, which are used for running simulations, as well as debugging and testing their full-wave solvers, ensuring cutting-edge performance and precision.