Research Facilities

State-of-the-art testing environment for electromagnetic research and validation

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 testing. Automated full 3D radiation pattern measurements of passive, active and opto-electrical antenna systems are possible from 750 MHz up to 170 GHz.

Facility Contact

For further information regarding the research facilities, please contact

Dr. Olivier Caytan

Anechoic Chambers

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

1

Anechoic Chamber 1

Dimensions: 8.1 m × 3.9 m × 3.6 m (Siepel)
Quiet Zone: 1 m diameter
Measurement Distance: Up to 5 m
Frequency Range: 750 MHz - 170 GHz

Equipped with the NSI-700S-30 Spherical Near-Field Measurement System, enabling near field (ideal for electrically large antennas) and far field measurements.

2

Anechoic Chamber 2

Dimensions: 6.2 m × 3.8 m × 3.6 m (Siepel)
Quiet Zone: 0.5 m diameter
Measurement Distance: Up to 3 m
Frequency Range: 750 MHz - 6 GHz

Equipped with an Orbit/FR Positioning System (Orbit/FR AL-360-1P). On-body measurements are also supported.

Faraday Measurement Chamber

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:

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
  • WRE 6.5 (110-170 GHz): Full two-port antenna radiation pattern measurements

Keysight PNA E8364B

2-port network analyzer up to 50 GHz (shared with CMST)

Supporting Test Equipment

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

Standard Gain Horns

Scientific Atlanta & NSI-MI Technologies

Software Defined Radio

8x NI USRP-2943R from 1.2 GHz to 6 GHz

UWB Expertise Hub

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.

Computing Facilities

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.