StarLab User Guide 1.2

StarLab
Version D
User Guide
Reference: TD.224.1.08.SATF.C
StarLab User Guide 1.2
2 / 220
This document was last updated on January 2010.
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This document is for information and instruction purposes. SATIMO reserves the right to make
changes in specifications and other information contained in this publication without prior
notice, and the reader should, in all cases, consult SATIMO to determine whether any change
have been made.
Although all precautions have been taken in the preparation of this document, in case of errors
or omissions, we kindly ask you to inform SATIMO.
Copyright SATIMO Industries Corporation 2010
All rights reserved
Contents
Part A - StarLab description
1
Overview of antennas and wireless terminals characterization ............... 13

1.1
General philosophy .................................................................................................................. 13
1.2
Spatial radiating pattern measurements ................................................................................ 14
1.2.1 Direct Measurement Techniques ...................................................................................... 14
1.2.2 Indirect Measurement Techniques .................................................................................... 16
1.2.3 Antennas as an impedance matcher and a plane wave filter ......................................... 20
1.2.4 Application to StarLab ........................................................................................................ 23
1.3
Wireless terminals characterization ....................................................................................... 25
System description ................................................................................... 27

2.1
General overview ..................................................................................................................... 27
2.1.1 Coordinate system ............................................................................................................... 27
2.1.2 General architecture ............................................................................................................ 28
2.2
Description of subsystems ...................................................................................................... 34
2.2.1 Arch ....................................................................................................................................... 34
2.2.2 Instrumentation rack ........................................................................................................... 48
2.2.3 BTS conveyor (option) ....................................................................................................... 69
2.2.4 Mounting parts to set up the reference antennas ........................................................... 82
2.2.5 Accessories .........................................................................................................................100
Safety instructions and installation requirements .................................. 113
3.1
Safety instructions ..................................................................................................................113
3.1.1 EC Certificate of Conformity ..........................................................................................113
3.1.2 Safety related symbols used on equipment ....................................................................114
3.2
Installation requirements .......................................................................................................115
3.2.1 Room ...................................................................................................................................115
3.2.2 Power cabling .....................................................................................................................115
3.3
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................116
3.4
Spare parts ...............................................................................................................................118
Technical specifications and measurement performances ................... 121
4.1
Technical specifications.........................................................................................................121
4.1.1 Environmental requirements ...........................................................................................121
4.1.2 Mechanical specifications .................................................................................................122
4.1.3 DUT size .............................................................................................................................123
4.2
Measurement specifications ..................................................................................................125
Part B - Use of the StarLab

1
2
3
Passive mode ........................................................................................... 129

1.1
Overview of the main steps of the near field measurement ............................................129
1.2
Set-up and switching the instruments on/off ....................................................................130
1.2.2 Switch off the equipment .................................................................................................130
1.2.3 Passive hardware configuration .......................................................................................130
1.2.4 Set-up the DUT .................................................................................................................135
1.3
System calibration ..................................................................................................................136
1.3.1 Why calibrate and the principle of calibration ..............................................................136
1.3.2 Procedure ............................................................................................................................139
1.4
The real time viewer (spherical configuration only) ..........................................................147
1.5
Spherical measurements ........................................................................................................149
1.5.1 Gain calibration..................................................................................................................149
1.5.2 DUT measurement procedure .........................................................................................154
1.6
Cylindrical measurements .....................................................................................................156
1.6.1 Gain calibration..................................................................................................................156
1.6.2 DUT measurement procedure .........................................................................................164
1.7
Introduction to SatEnv NT as post-processing software ................................................165
1.7.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................165
1.7.2 SatEnv NT ..........................................................................................................................165
1.8
Post-processing.......................................................................................................................169
1.8.1 Input data for the post-processing ..................................................................................170
1.8.2 Near field to far field transform ......................................................................................171
1.8.3 Pattern visualizations.........................................................................................................176
1.8.4 Maximum gain....................................................................................................................183
1.8.5 Efficiency ............................................................................................................................188
1.8.6 Directivity ...........................................................................................................................191
1.8.7 Holography and back propagation (option) ..................................................................197
1.8.8 Macros .................................................................................................................................198
1.8.9 Exporting data from SatEnv ............................................................................................200
Active mode (option) ..............................................................................203

Multi-measurement mode (option) ........................................................205
6 / 220
Appendixes
1.
2.
3.
4.
EC Certificate of compliance ................................................................. 212

Mast mechanical drawing .................................................................... 213
Transition panel ...................................................................................... 216
SATIMO offices ...................................................................................... 219
7 / 220
Preface
Purpose
This guide explains the equipment use in the StarLab system and explains how to use it.
This guide will help you to:
understand all the functions of the subsystems,
understand and execute various measurement techniques.
Audience
This guide is for staff and technical experts involved in managing StarLab.
Related documents
Documents relating to this guide include:
SatEnv NT, User Guide
SPM, User Guide
SAM, User Guide
SMM, User Guide
SatSph / SatMap, User Guide
Antenna, Catalog
Antenna Measurement Systems / Multi-probe systems, Catalog
RF Safety, Catalog
Typographical conventions
This guide uses the following typing conventions:
text in italics: document titles,
text in bold: important information.
The following icons indicate safety instructions
Icon
Instruction
Warning: hazard that can cause personal injury
Caution: hazard that can cause hardware or software damages
Note:
important information
exceptions to rules or procedures
Terminological conventions
This guide uses standard microwave terminology.
Abbreviations
Provides the extended form of the abbreviations used in this guide.
ASU
AU
AUT
BTS
CTIA
CW
DUT
NF
FF
PC
PHS
RCT
SAM
SAR
SatEnv NT
SMM
SPM
UPS
VNA
WDRA
Active Switching Unit

Amplification Unit
Antenna Under Test
Base Transceiver Station
Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
Continuous Wave
Device Under Test
Near Field
Far Field
Personal Computer
Personal Handy-phone System
Radio-Communication Tester
Satimo Active Measurement
Specific Absorption Rate
Satimo Environment NT
Satimo Multi Measurement
Satimo Passive Measurement
Uninterrupted Power Supply
Vector Network Analyzer
Wideband Dynamic Range Adaptor
10 / 220
11 / 220
Part A. 1 _ Overview of antennas and wireless terminals characterization
Part A. StarLab description

1 Overview of antennas and wireless terminals
characterization
This chapter provides the following information:
general philosophy;
spatial radiating pattern measurements;
wireless terminals characterization.
1.1 General philosophy

Rapid characterization and pre-qualification measurements are becoming more and more
important for the ever-growing number of small antennas, mobile phones and other wireless
terminals. There is a need driven by the wireless industries for a smart test set-up with reduced
dimensions and capable of measuring radiating devices.
SATIMO has developed a compact, mobile and cost-effective test station called StarLab, which is
able to perform rapid 3D measurements of the pattern radiated by antennas. StarLab uses a
circular probe array to allow for real time elevation cuts and volumetric 3D radiation pattern
measurement within a few minutes. It is operating between 800MHz and 6GHz or between
800MHz and 18GHz and it can be configured for passive measurements (see Part B Chapter 1)
as well as for active measurements (see Part B Chapter 2).
The StarLab is a Near Field multi-probe system (see Part A Chapter 1.2.2) which can be
configured either in spherical or in cylindrical geometry.
The StarLab test station aims at characterizing antennas for development, pre-qualification or
pass/fail production purposes. A key feature of the test station is its compactness allowing it to
be used directly at universities, laboratories or production centres without extra logistics.
SATIMO has developed software to perform all the measurements tasks either in the passive
mode or in the active mode, including the real time visualization of the measured radiation
pattern, the set-up of the measurement configurations, the calibrations, the acquisitions, the postprocessing and the visualization of the measured data. The developed software includes SPM
(passive acquisition), Cylindric StarLab (BTS passive acquisition), SAM (active acquisition), SMM
(manual configured measurements) and SatEnv NT (post-processing).
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1.2 Spatial radiating pattern measurements

Two measurement systems families can be used to determine far-field radiation characteristics of
antennas. These are commonly distinguished according to their capacity to provide the far field
directly or indirectly. Thus, we can talk of:
direct measurement techniques,
indirect measurement techniques.
1.2.1
Direct Measurement Techniques
Direct measurement techniques can be split in three sub-categories as shown in Figure 1:

outdoor far-field range,
indoor far-field range,
compact range.
Figure 1: Direct measurement techniques

These three techniques give a direct access to the far field characteristics of the antenna.
Concerning outdoor and indoor far-field ranges, the distance between the probe and the AUT
has to be long enough to consider that the AUT is in the plane wave region. This distance
criterion, corresponding to the start of the Fraunhofer zone, takes into account the antenna
diameter D and the wavelength , i.e. L>2D2/ (see Figure 2). These techniques often lead to
huge distances as the antenna aperture is often large with respect to the wavelength. In addition,
outdoor installations can be subject to bad weather conditions and are less immune to
environmental electromagnetic variations.
14 / 220
2D/
Antenna
D/2
Rayleigh
zone
Fresnel
zone
Near-field
Fraunhofer
zone
Far-field
Figure 2: From near field to far field

Concerning the compact ranges, the term compact means that the installation itself synthesizes
a plane wave illumination in a smaller chamber. In reality, these installations are rarely small and
the term compact is not very suitable. These installations are often used in the aerospace
industry for the test of antenna payloads mounted on satellites. They are composed of one or two
reflectors synthesizing a plane wave volume of several meters also called quiet zone. The
principle is simple: a parabolic surface transforms spherical waves into plane waves where the
antenna under test is located. The antenna turns in azimuth and in elevation and the
electromagnetic field measured at the focal point of the system is the far field of the antenna.
These systems are wideband and are very suitable for directive antennas but not for semi
directive and omni directional antennas because of:
the quality of the plane wave (i.e. remaining ripple in amplitude and in phase),
the coupling between the positioner and the antenna under test that influence the
measurements especially when the antenna is omni directional.
Moreover compact ranges are generally used above 2GHz (and up to 100GHz). Measurements
down to 800MHz are almost impossible with this kind of installation due to degraded plane wave
quality. A solution consists in adding serrations on the edges of the reflector but to be efficient,
these serrations must have a length between 5 and 15 ; this leads to enormous dimensions.
All these systems give directly the electromagnetic field at far distance, and deliver directly
radiation pattern cuts. But they are not aimed at providing 3D radiation pattern, directivity or
efficiency values.
15 / 220

1.2.2
Indirect Measurement Techniques
Indirect measurement techniques are based on Near Field measurement systems. They take
benefit of the Huygens Principle. This principle demonstrates that it is possible to reconstruct
the electromagnetic field in any location of the space from the measurement of the tangential
field on a closed surface surrounding the radiating sources. The measurement of the tangential
field in near field is subject to a sampling criterion.
NEAR-FIELD METHODS
This powerful principle can be derived in three different geometries as represented in the Figure
3.
PLANAR
GEOMETRY
CYLINDRICAL
GEOMETRY
SPHERICAL
GEOMETRY
Figure 3: Indirect measurement techniques

These measurement techniques are the equivalent of what digital electronics are for analog
electronics. With respecting a sampling criterion, the Near Field information allows to
reconstruct the Far Field. In reality, measuring the Near Field gives more information than
necessary. Some specific algorithms can take advantage of this extra information to compute the
field on the aperture of the antenna (back-propagation).
The planar and cylindrical geometries are respectively used for very directive and semi-directive
antennas whereas the spherical geometries are used as well for omni-directional antennas, semidirective antennas or directive antennas (see Figure 4). When the type of the radiation pattern of
the antenna cannot be predicted in advance or when several different types of antennas have to
be measured in the same system, the spherical geometry shall be used.
16 / 220
Omni
Directional
Antenna
Low
Directional
Antenna
Semi
Directional
Antenna
Directional
Antenna
Figure 4: Examples of radiation patterns measured within a spherical geometry

The near field techniques require a minimum sampling of the field in order to reconstruct
correctly the far field. This mathematical process is commonly called Near Field to Far Field
transformation.
Among the possible algorithms considered as accurate by the scientific community, SATIMO
uses the one proposed by Hansen based on spherical waves expansion.
The sampling is linked to the wavelength .
In planar geometry, the sampling criterion is easy to understand as it consists in sampling the
field on the plane with a resolution between /2 and /3. The sampling is performed on a plane
generally distant of 2 to 4 from the antenna (see Figure 5).
17 / 220
Figure 5: Sampling criterion in planar near field geometry

In case of cylindrical and spherical geometries, the criterion is a bit more difficult to understand.
A sampling of /2 to /3 is required on the minimum sphere surrounding the antenna under test
during its rotation as shown in Figure 6 & Figure 7.
Figure 6: Sampling criterion in cylindrical near field geometry

This criterion shows that the number of points to measure depends on the size of the object
under test and on the frequency.
18 / 220
Spherical Near-Field Technique
r< /2
r< /2
r
Figure 7: Sampling criterion in spherical near field geometry (SG64)

To summarize, the Far Field systems give a direct access to the vector characteristics of the
radiation pattern. The compact ranges perform the Near Field to Far Field transformation thanks
to one or two reflectors (hardware Near Field to Far Field transformation).
The Near Field systems decompose the electromagnetic field over a plane wave base thanks to a
mathematical operator (numerical Near Field to Far Field transformation). This operator is a
simple two-dimensional Fourier transform in case of planar geometry, while it is more complex
in cylindrical or spherical geometry where a cylindrical or spherical wave expansion is used.
See more description about the Near Field to Far Field transformation in the SatSph /
SatMap User Guide
19 / 220

1.2.3
Antennas as an impedance matcher and a plane wave filter
It is helpful to describe in a few words what an antenna is, so that the way to characterize it
becomes clearer and will improve. Moreover, it helps to understand the overall accuracy of the
measurement system can be better understood.
Antenna as an impedance matcher
The objective of an antenna is to transmit an information between two points located far away
from each other or far enough so that cable link is not a suitable solution. The information is
carried on electromagnetic waves which have their initial source into a transmitter. Thus, the
electromagnetic wave is propagated into a circuit (strip-line, coaxial, guides, etc.) with specific
impedance (usually 50 Ohm) and finally arrives to a system called antenna which has the
important goal to transmit the incident electromagnetic wave into the air.
As the air has an impedance of 377 ohms, the antennas major role is to match progressively the
impedance of the circuit up to the impedance of the air. Otherwise the incident electromagnetic
waves will be reflected and will return into the circuit as soon as they meet obstacles in their
propagation. Thus the coefficient of reflection of the antenna also called VSWR or S11 of the
antenna represents its inability to radiate the field and the returning part of the energy into the
circuit. Consequently, the first mission of an antenna is that of being a good impedance
transformer, so that the incident electromagnetic waves go through it and up in the air without
having the feeling of changing medium.
As it is easy to write, it is not easy to achieve. Consequently, all antennas present a transmission
and a reflection coefficient. When the antenna is narrow band in frequency, it is easier to obtain a
lower reflection coefficient. On the contrary it is very difficult to design a broadband antenna
with a low reflection coefficient. Thus a compromise has to be found.
Antenna as a plane wave filter
When the energy is released by the antenna, the electromagnetic wave can radiate into free space.
The way the antenna is radiating is a function of the geometry of the antenna and of its local
environment. If the antenna is very small compared to the wavelength, the energy is released in
almost all directions of space, there is no particular angle of propagation. At the opposite, if the
antenna is large compared to the wavelength, the energy will be focused toward particular
directions. Consequently, we can define an antenna as a plane wave filter as its capability of
selecting angular directions is more or less important.
Therefore, in an easy manner, we can describe an antenna as an electromagnetic field transducer
that contains an impedance transformer and a plane wave filter.
20 / 220

To better understand what a plane wave filter means, it is useful to develop each term of the
propagation equation commonly used for describing an electromagnetic wave. As indicated in the
Figure 8 an electromagnetic signal is dependent of four parameters, which are:
the frequency,
the time,
the space location,
the angular component.
Figure 8 : Duality between frequency and time domains; space and angular domains
As the frequency and time domain are related through an easy operator (Fourier transform), it is
fortunately the same behaviour that links the space domain to the angular domain. To better
understand this, it is good to remember that as a conventional harmonic signal is easily measured
(in the time domain) by using an oscilloscope, in the frequency domain, when it is necessary to
measure more complicated signals (i.e. broadband electronic signal), we prefer using a spectrum
analyzer. This equipment is measuring the overall signal and projects each component of the
signal on a pure harmonic basis. Thus, we can observe the weight of each frequency component
into the signal being measured. So the spectrum analyzer is just an extension of the time domain
oscilloscope that uses Fourier transform as a projector on each individual harmonic.
To some extent, the same analogy between the space domain (r domain) and the angular domain
(k domain) can be done. While you are measuring electromagnetic field radiation far from an
antenna, you can just observe the local plane wave component of the antenna. Thus, you have
directly information related to the k domain (k is related to angular domain through the relation
kx= kosin cos, ky=kosin sin, kz=kocos ). Similarly to the frequency domain, the quantity
observed in the k domain corresponds to a projection into plane wave bases (similar to the pure
frequency harmonic bases). While measuring in near-field conditions, the space distribution of
the field becomes more complicated to analyze and more rich in information. This domain of
observation is called the space domain (S domain in the hereafter description). The measured
near-field doesnt immediately represent the plane wave response of the antenna so that a nearfield to far-field numerical transformation is necessary to extract the far field component of the
21 / 220

antenna. This transformation shows similarity with the Fourier transform used to interconnect
the frequency domain and the time domain. When measuring an antenna in a planar geometry
the NF to FF transformation uses a standard 2D Fourier transformation. When measuring an
antenna in a cylindrical, or a spherical geometry, the projection into a plane wave basis is a bit
more complicated. In these two geometries, the transformation is based on a modal expansion.
While the geometry is spherical, the local tangent field measured need to be locally described by a
superposition of plane waves. To perform such a description, the local plane wave is generated
thanks to the addition of modal functions called TE modes and TH modes. The weights of TE
and TH modes are determined so that from a measurement geometry which is not intrinsically
planar, the radiated field can be represented as a plane wave expansion.
Consequence on the accuracy budget
Considering an antenna as an impedance transformer and a plane wave filter, makes it easier to
analyse how an antenna can be characterized properly using a measurement system. The antenna
placed into a measurement system, because of its reciprocity, is able to integrate all defects of the
measurement set-up.
A low gain antenna with omni-directional radiations properties can be considered as a bad filter
because the antenna has no capability to focus the energy in a dedicated direction. Consequently,
if there is any visible reflection in the environment and interaction with the measurement system
as well as with the positioning equipment, it will be possible to observe the impact immediately
on the radiation pattern. This impact is directly proportional to the level of the reflection.
Thus, an error which is observed on a radiation pattern between 0dB and -10dB level for an
omni-directional antenna (antenna with gain from 0dBi to 10 dBi) will be observed with a level
between -10dB and -20dB for a low directive antenna (antenna with gain from 10dBi to 20 dBi).
And further, it will be observed with a level between -20dB and -30dB for a directive antenna
(antenna with gain from 20dBi to 30 dBi) and finally with a level between -30dB and -40dB for a
highly directive antenna (antenna with gain from 30dBi to 40dBi).
Consequently there are two ways to identify the accuracy of a measurement facility. One consists
of identifying the capability of the range in terms of frequency domain, size of the quiet zone,
quality of the quiet zone. For instance, a test range can have -30dB of global reflectivity
(including chamber reflectivity, amplitude/phase uniformity of sensors, interaction with the
measurement system, etc.). The other consists in measuring an omni-directional antenna. In the
case of the chamber with -30dB of global reflectivity, the user can expect ripple on main levels of
the pattern (between the maximum and -10 dB) ranging around plus or minus 0.55 dB.
22 / 220

1.2.4
Application to StarLab
All SATIMO products are adapted to fully describe the electromagnetic properties of the
antennas in a minimum amount of time, providing radiation pattern data in any polarization,
linear or circular.
StarLab equipment is suitable to measure the electromagnetic field in a spherical configuration as
well as in a cylindrical configuration, with the BTS option. The following figures show a view of
StarLab configured for spherical measurements and a view of StarLab configured for cylindrical
measurement.
The use of StarLab in spherical configuration is described in Part B Chapter 1.5 and the use of
StarLab in cylindrical configuration is described in Part B Chapter 1.6.
Figure 9: StarLab in spherical measurement configuration
23 / 220
Figure 10: StarLab in cylindrical measurement configuration
24 / 220
1.3 Wireless terminals characterization

With the growth of the telecommunication sectors, the need to characterize mobile phones and
wireless terminals is becoming more and more important. The StarLab equipment allows testing
of wireless terminals in several different protocols.
The use of a StarLab with wireless terminals is possible by using optional hardware and software.
Such measurements are achieved via a Radio-Communication Tester (RCT) which is capable of
initiating a call to a mobile under test and measuring the two-way communication link for a wide
range of communications standards and frequency bands.
The mobile can be measured both in receive and transmit modes. Output parameters are the
power radiated by the mobile and its sensitivity.
See more descriptions about the active mode in the SAM, User Guide.
The Figure 11 shows a view of StarLab in active configuration.
Figure 11: StarLab in active configuration
25 / 220
26 / 220
Part A. 2 _ System description
2 System description
This chapter provides the following information:
general overview;
description of the subsystems;
safety instructions and installation requirements;
technical specifications and measurement performances.
2.1 General overview

StarLab is a flexible measurement system with functionalities that can be easily extended
depending on the needs of the user. Indeed, the equipment can interface with a wide range of
different RF measurement devices in order to perform either passive or active measurements.
Moreover two versions are available: the first one for measurements in the 800 MHz 6 GHz
frequency range, and the second one for measurements in the 800 MHz 18 GHz frequency
range.
The baseline configuration is obtained by connecting StarLab to a Vector Network Analyzer
(VNA) for passive antenna measurements.
2.1.1
Coordinate system
For the spherical measurements, the coordinate system is shown in Figure 12.
Probe 1
Figure 12 : Spherical coordinate system
27 / 220
The probe #1 at theta=-157.5 is located at the bottom on the same side, of the arch, as
the electrical box (Control Unit)
For cylindrical measurements (option), the coordinate system is shown in the Figure 13.
Elevation axis
Supprimer theta ??
Confusion avec theta scan
Boresight
( =90, =180)
FF Coordinates
z
y (to Probe 12)
z
AUT ing
mov
Scan
Probe 15
AUT
Coordinates
Height axis
Probe 1
Figure 13: StarLab BTS coordinate system

2.1.2
General architecture
The Figure 14 and the Figure 15 show an overview of the 0.8-6 GHz and 0.8-18 GHz StarLab
equipments.
StarLab equipment is composed of the following subsystems:
1. the arch and the electrical box (or Control Unit);
2. the instrumentation rack with:
1. VNA
2. Active Switching Unit (ASU) (for the active mode only)
3. Amplification Unit (AU)
4. Radio Communication Tester (for the active mode only)
5. WiFi unit : WiFi tester and Wideband Dynamic Range Adaptor (WDRA) (for the
WiFi mode only)
6. industrial PC
7. Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) (option);
3. mounting parts to set up the reference antennas;
4. accessories.
Each subsystem is described in the next section.
28 / 220
AUT
0.8-6 GHz
arch
Instrumentation
rack
Figure 14: View of 0.8-6 GHz StarLab system with its dedicated equipments
Figure 15: View of the 0.8-18 GHz StarLab system
29 / 220

A specific block diagram corresponds to each measurement configuration.
The Figure 16 represents the general block diagram of the StarLab system.
Figure 16: General block diagram of StarLab
30 / 220

The Figure 17 shows the architecture for passive measurements. The Figure 18 and the Figure 19
represent the block diagram for the spherical and the cylindrical configurations. The Figure 20
shows the architecture and the Figure 21 represents the block diagram for the active mode.
Industrial PC
Motors and
limit switches
Probe control
USB
GPIB
Probe
array
AUT
RF Tx
VNA
Amplification
RF Rx
AUT
Electrical Box
Probe array
Unit
Control
Figure 17: Architecture for passive measurements
Caption
Power
Supply
RF cable (SMA connector)
Power
Supply
USB
BF cable (SubD 15 HD connector)

Control cable (SubD 15 HD connector)
Keyboard
GPIB cable
GPIB
Screen
USB cable
Industrial
Mean
Power
Supply
PC
Mouse
VGA / PS2 / USB cable

Power cable
Power cable
Uninterruptible
Power
Supply
Arch
Electrical Box
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
GPIB
USB
GPIB
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
AUT
PROBE ARRAY
CONTROL
DEMOD. PROBE / 0.8-6GHz
TX
PORT 1
RX
PORT 2
Amplification
Unit
VNA
DEMOD. PROBE / 6-18GHz
Figure 18: Block diagram for passive measurements in spherical configuration
31 / 220
Caption
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
USB

Keyboard
GPIB cable
Industrial
GPIB
Screen
USB cable
PC
Mean
Power
Supply
Mouse

Power cable
Power cable
Motor and limit switches control
Uninterruptible
Arch
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Electrical Box
Power
Supply
GPIB
Power
Supply
BTS TX out
GPIB
Motor
control
Limit
switches
BTS conveyor
Power
Supply
AUT
USB
PROBE ARRAY
TX
PORT 1
RX
PORT 2
Amplification
CONTROL
Unit
VNA
Figure 19: Block diagram for passive measurements in cylindrical configuration (option)
Industrial PC
Motors and
limit switches
Probe
USB
GPIB
RCT output
RCT
RCT input
AUT
Active
switching Unit
RF Rx
RF Tx
Amplification
Unit
Probe
array
AUT
Probe array
Electrical Box
Control
Figure 20: Architecture for active measurements
32 / 220
Caption
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
USB

Keyboard
GPIB cable
Industrial
GPIB
Screen
USB cable
Mean
Power
Supply
PC
Mouse

Power cable
Power cable
Uninterruptible
Arch
Electrical Box
GPIB
USB
Power
GPIB
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Supply
AUT
PROBE ARRAY
Active
RX
Unit
Power
Supply
Switching
Unit
VNA / PORT 2
RCT / PORT 1
RCT / PORT 2
WIFI / PORT 1
WIFI / PORT 2
GPIB
GPIB
VNA
GPIB
GPIB
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
GPIB
WDRA
WIFI / PORT 1
RCT
CONTROL
VNA / PORT 1
Extra / PORT 2
TX
Amplification
Extra / PORT 1
CONTROL
WIFI / PORT 2
Extra
WIFI Tester
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Figure 21: Block diagram for active measurements
33 / 220
2.2 Description of subsystems

This chapter provides an overview of all the hardware and software equipment found in StarLab.
This chapter provides information on the following subsystems:
arch and electrical box (available with 0.8-6GHz version and with 0.8-18GHz version);
instrumentation rack;
mounting parts to set up the reference antennas;
some available accessories.
For the BTS option, a conveyor is mounted through the arch. See Part A 2.2.3 for more
information.
2.2.1
Arch
The major components of the arch are:

mechanical structure with the absorbers;
probe array with the elevation positioner;
mast with the azimuth positioner;
electrical box (or Control Unit).
The Figure 22 and the Figure 23 show StarLab respectively in 0.8-6 GHz and 0.8-18 GHz
configuration.
Probes and absorbers should not be touched or manipulated to ensure the reliability of the
StarLab.
34 / 220
0.8-6GHz
Probe array
AUT
Mast
Frame
Electrical Box
Figure 22: Overview of the 0.8-6 GHz StarLab arch
6-18GHz
probe array
0.8-6GHz
probe array
Mast
Frame
Electrical Box
Figure 23: Overview of the 0.8-18 GHz StarLab arch
35 / 220

2.2.1.1
Mechanical structure
The mechanical structure of StarLab is made up of:

frame on wheels;
central structure where the probe array(s) with conformal absorbing material is fixed;
two rings covered with a conformal absorbing material.
The Figure 24 shows a view of the arch with the mechanical parts.
The structure is made of aluminium and is covered with absorbing material in order to reduce
scattering and reflections from the support structure and the cabling. StarLab equipment is
mobile as it sits on wheels. If needed, one of the two rings can be removed easily allowing it to
pass through a standard single door.
Ring
s
Frame
Figure 24: View of the mechanical structure of the arch

Engage the brakes on the wheels when StarLab is in use
See mechanical specifications in Part A - Chapter 4.1.2 for more information about the
parts for mounting the reference antennas.
36 / 220

2.2.1.2
Probe array(s)
StarLab is based on SATIMOs patented probe array technology. Instead of using mechanical
scanning of one single probe for radiation measurements, StarLab uses electronic scanning of an
array of probes, as shown in the Figure 23. The only mechanical movement needed to perform a
full sphere measurement is a 180 azimuth rotation of the DUT, as described in chapter 2.2.1.3.
This means that full 3D radiation pattern measurements can be performed very rapidly compared
to conventional single-probe systems.
Figure 25:Elevation electronically scanned via the probe array
StarLabs probe array is composed of two intertwined probe arrays to cover the 0.8-18 GHz
frequency band. The low frequency array consists of 15 dual-polarized 0.8-6 GHz probes
whereas the high frequency array consists of 14 dual-polarized 6-18 GHz probes. All the probes
are mounted in vertical/horizontal polarization orientation on a circular structure. The angular
spacing between the probes of the same type is 22.5 and the angular spacing between the two
different types of probes is 11.25. The probes protrude through small crossed slits in the
smooth curvature of the absorbers, keeping the reflectivity of the probe array at a minimum.
To characterize small antennas, a sample spacing of 22.5 is sufficient to accurately measure the
radiation pattern. To characterize larger antennas, where a finer sampling grid is required, the
StarLab offers a unique combination of electronic and mechanical scanning. The StarLab probe
arrays can rotate over 11.25 in elevation, such that the probes are positioned in offset
locations. This effectively fills in the gaps between the probes and provides the possibility of
unlimited sampling. Combined with the electronic scanning of the probes, the mechanical
elevation scanning allows fast and fully automated measurements with unlimited scan resolution
in both elevation and azimuth.
The internal diameter of the probe array is 90cm, measured from the tip of one probe to the tip
of the probe on the opposite side.
37 / 220
The Figure 26 shows a section of StarLabs probe arrays and the Figure 27 the configuration of
the probe arrays.
Figure 26: The StarLab probe arrays
Figure 27: Configuration of StarLab probe arrays
38 / 220
The probes consist of two orthogonal antennas which have been specially designed to provide
good performance over a wide frequency range. The two antennas are linearly polarized and
aligned according to vertical and horizontal polarizations.
The probe cabling is routed along the back side of the mechanical support structure, behind the
probes and the absorbers. Each probe array also holds a passive RF network that combines the
RF signals from one family of probes into a single RF connector. A RF switch, located in the
electrical box, selects the RF signal between the two probe arrays.
The use of a passive combiner network provides the full reciprocity of the system. The probe
arrays can thus be used in either transmit mode (receive with probes) or receive mode (transmit
with probes).
Moreover StarLab is also using a reference channel. This is a bypass of the probes where a
portion of the transmit power is going directly to the receiving side. This reference probe can
indirectly compensate for some variations in the system due to, for example, temperature drift.
Please refer to the recommendations of use in Part A - Chapter 3
The Figure 28 shows the combiner network with the reference probe for the 0.8-6 GHz probe
array, and the Figure 29 for the 6-18 GHz probe array.
Ref Probe
Figure 28: Schematic RF for the 0.8-6GHz probe array
39 / 220
Figure 29: Schematic RF for the 6-18GHz probe array
Dividers are 4-port power dividers
40 / 220

2.2.1.3
Mast
The DUT is located at the centre of the arch on top of a rigid mast. This mast can rotate over
360 owing to the azimuth motor, which enables the sampling of the radiated field over the full
sphere surrounding the DUT, as shown in the Figure 30 below.
From 0deg to
360deg
Figure 30 : Azimuth scanned mechanically via the azimuth motor

The DUT is mounted on this mast via an interface. The Figure 31 shows a picture of the mast
and the Figure 30 two examples of configurations.
See Part A - Chapter 2.2.4 to get more information about the parts for mounting of
reference antennas.
41 / 220
Figure 31: View of the rigid mast
Figure 32: Examples of DUT mounted on the mast via an interface

See the drawing of the mast in the Appendix 3 to make your own interfaces
A RF cable located inside the mast allows the connection of the DUT to the RF port of the
electrical box. A rotary joint at the bottom of the mast makes the azimuthal rotation possible.
42 / 220

2.2.1.4
Electrical box or Control Unit
The electrical box is located on the frame of the arch. It makes the connections RF and
control between the probe array(s) and the instrumentation rack possible. Moreover it supplies
the electrical power to the motors.
The Figure 33 shows some pictures of the electrical box. The drawing of the Figure 34 shows the
different connections.
The electrical box ensures the RF connections between the Amplification Unit, the DUT and the
probe array through switches and couplers. It also ensures the control connection between the
computer, the probe array(s), the motors of the azimuth positioner and the elevation positioner
for spherical measurements as well as the BTS conveyor for cylindrical measurements.
The Figure 35 and the Figure 36 show the RF architecture respectively for the 0.8-6 GHz and the
0.8-18 GHz StarLab.
43 / 220
Figure 33: Views of the electrical box (or Control Unit)
44 / 220
Emergency stop
Switch for motors power supply

Connections to the amplification unit
(SMA for the RF signaland SubD 15 HD
for the control signal)
Connections to the BTS conveyor
(SMA for the RF signal and electrical
cable for the mechanical limits switchs)
USB connection
Power supply
Figure 34: Drawing of the electrical box (front view)
0.8-6GHz
Probe array
4- ways divider
TX BTS IN
DUT RF cable
0.8-6GHz
Reference
probe
Arch
-20dB
IN
OUT
AUT
0.8-6GHz coupler
Figure 35: RF architecture of the 0.8-6 GHz electrical box
45 / 220
0.8-6GHz
SP2T-7
1
4-ways divider
Probe array
6-18GHz
4-ways divider
TX BTS IN
DUT RF cable
0.8-6GHz
Reference
probe
SP2T-8
1
C
2
6-18GHz
Reference
probe
-20dB
OUT
Arch
IN
AUT
0.8-18 GHz coupler
Figure 36: RF architecture of the 0.8-18 GHz electrical box

The electrical box has been designed to allow the spherical and cylindrical measurements with the
BTS conveyor with few external modifications by the user.
See Part A - Chapter 2.2.3 to configure the electrical box for either spherical or cylindrical
configuration
The connections to the motorisation axis are located on the left side of the electrical box.
are shown in
Figure 37: Drawing of the electrical box. Three mechanical axes are available: the linear axis BTS
for the BTS conveyor, the roll axis (not used) and the elevation axis (not used).
46 / 220
Figure 37: Drawing of the electrical box
47 / 220

2.2.2
Instrumentation rack
The instrumentation rack includes:

1. Vector Network Analyser (VNA)
2. Active Switching Unit (ASU) (for the active mode only)
3. Amplification Unit (AU)
4. Radio Communication Tester (RCT) (for the active mode only)
5. WiFi unit : WiFi tester and Wideband Dynamic Range Adaptor (WDRA) (for the
WiFi mode only)
6. industrial PC
7. the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) in option
The Figure 38 shows a picture of the instrumentation rack with the different subsystems and the
Figure 39 shows some pictures of the instrumentation rack in passive mode only and pictures of
the instrumentation rack in passive and active modes.
Vector Network Analyzer
Active Switching Unit

Amplification Unit
Radio-Communication Tester
Available space for
Wideband Dynamic Range Adaptor
and WiFi Tester
Industrial Computer
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Figure 38: Pictures of the instrumentation rack with the subsystems
48 / 220
Figure 39: Pictures of the two instrumentation rack configurations
49 / 220

2.2.2.1
Vector Network Analyser (VNA)
The VNA is an instrument that measures the transmission and reflection characteristics of
devices in the frequency domain.
StarLab uses a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) as the RF source and receiver for passive
antenna measurements. The RF connections between the VNA and the DUT or the probe array
are done via the ASU -if any-, the Amplification Unit and the electrical box.
The VNA is controlled by the industrial PC via a GPIB connection. All the measurement
parameters, such as the frequency sweep, the output power or the IFBW, are managed directly by
the software. Frequency is swept rapidly to obtain amplitude and phase information over a
frequency band. Amplitude and phase information is measured by the receiver of the VNA and is
then stored by the industrial PC via the SATIMO software.
Contact your SATIMO technical contact person to have the updated list of supported
network analysers
The Figure 40 shows an example of a supported device.
Figure 40: Picture of a supported VNA
To not damage the device, please refer to the VNA user guide and follow the indicated
recommendations
The port calibration of the VNA is not necessary when it is used with the StarLab
50 / 220

2.2.2.2 Active Switching Unit (ASU)
The Active Switching Unit is available only with the active option.
The ASU is a switch box that automatically selects the used tester according to the measurement
mode:
the VNA for the passive mode and the active gain calibration;
the Radio Communication Tester for active mode;
the WIFI tester and Wideband Dynamic Range Adaptor for WiFi measurements;
the Extra port for the use of any additional supported devices (GPS, ).
The Figure 41 shows two pictures of the Active Switching Unit.
Figure 41: Pictures of the Active Switching Unit (front and back views)
51 / 220

The Figure 42 shows the internal schematicof the Active Switching Unit.
Absorptive
switch
1
2
C
Amplification Unit / TX
3
4
VNA / Port 1
Radio Communication Tester / Port 1
WIFI Tester and WDRA / Port 1
AUX / Port 1
Absorptive
switch
1
2
C
Amplification Unit / RX
3
4
VNA / Port 2
Radio Communication Tester / Port 2
WIFI Tester and WDRA / Port 2
AUX / Port 2
Figure 42: Schematic of the Active Switching Unit
The ASU RF losses are specified as -1dB @ 0.8 GHz, -3dB @ 6GHz.
The RF connections to the different measurement devices are located on the front. The RF
connectors to the Amplification Unit, the connectors for control of the WiFi Unit and the Extra
device as well as the GPIB connector are located on the back of the unit, as shown on the Figure
43.
.

Fan
52 / 220

Blue visual LED
Connections to the devices

(RF - SMA)
On/Off switch
Fan
Connections to the
Amplification Unit
(RF - SMA)
GPIB connector
Power supply
Connections to the WiFi unit

and to the Extra device
Command bits (SubD 15 HD)
Figure 43: Drawings of the Active Switching Unit (front and back views)
To avoid damage to the device, complete all connections before switching it on
53 / 220

2.2.2.3 Amplification Unit (AU)
The RF Amplification Unit connects the probe array and the DUT through the electrical box or
the Active Switching Unit - if any - to the chosen measurement device such as the VNA.
The AU is composed of three RF channels:
a transmitting channel (Tx channel) that amplifies the emitted RF signal. It is composed
of a wideband Power Amplifier;
a receiving channel (Rx channel) that amplifies the received RF signal. It is composed of a
Low Noise Amplifier and of a slope amplifier;
a transfer switch that allows the StarLab to be reciprocal when transmitting by probes or
receiving by probes.
Two versions of the AU are available according to the StarLab version (0.8-6 GHz or 0.8-18
GHz).
The Figure 44 shows some pictures of the Amplification Unit. The Figure 45 & the Figure 46
show the internal RF architecture for the 0.8-6 GHz and for the 0.8-18 GHz versions.
On the Rx and Tx channels, SP4T switches allows for the selection of:
the 0.8-6 GHz RF channel for the 0.8-6 GHz frequency band;
the 6-18 GHz RF channel for the 6-18 GHz frequency band;
a direct way with no amplifier for bi-directional RF channel like S11 or WiFi test;
an auxiliary channel with a 50 ohm load for potential extra feature options.
54 / 220
Figure 44: Pictures of the Amplification Unit (front and back views)
55 / 220

WPA 0.8-6GHz
Absorptive
switch
1
Reflective
switch
1
Active Switching
Unit Tx
2
3
4
50
50
50
50
Tx channel
2
3
4
Reflective
switch
1
C
Transfer
switch
Reflective
1 switch
C
Absorptive
switch
1
C
Absorptive
switch
1
Active Switching
Unit Rx
2
3
4
Slope amplifier
2 0.8-6GHz
Electrical box
AUT
Reflective
switch
Rx channel
Electrical Box
probe array
Reflective
switch
Reflective
switch
LNA
0.8-6GHz
C
Mod/Demod Box
Reflective
switch
1
0.8-6GHz
50
50
50
50
2
3
4
Caption
0.8-6 GHz channel
Direct channel
Figure 45: Schematic of the Amplification Unit for the 0.8-6 GHz version
56 / 220
WPA 0.8-6GHz
Reflective
switch
1
Active Switching
Unit Tx
Absorptive
switch
1
WPA 6-18GHz
2
3
4
50
2
3
4
50
Tx channel
Reflective
switch
1
C
Reflective
switch
1
C
Electrical Box
probe array
Transfer
switch
C
Reflective
switch
Rx channel
C
Absorptive
switch
1
Active Switching
Unit Rx
2
3
4
Slope amplifier
2 0.8-6GHz
Slope amplifier
6-18GHz
Reflective
switch
Reflective
switch
Absorptive
switch
1
LNA
0.8-6GHz
C
Mod/Demod Box
0.8-6GHz
Reflective
switch
1
LNA 6-18GHz
Mod/Demod Box
6-18GHz
50
Electrical box
AUT
50
2
3
4
Caption
0.8-6 GHz channel
6-18 GHz channel
Direct channel
Figure 46: Schematic of the Amplification Unit for the 6-18 GHz version
57 / 220

All connectors are located on the back. On the front, blue LEDs indicate the selected RF
channel. The drawings on the Figure 47 show the front and the back of the AU.
The LEDs dont have to be lit in each section. Depending on the setup, only some of the LEDs
can be used.
Blue visual LED
On/Off switch
Connections to
the ASU or to VNA
(RF - SMA)
Connections to
the Electrical Box
(RF SMA &
LF SubD 15HD)
Fan
Power supply
GPIB connector
Figure 47: Drawings of the Amplification Unit (front and back views)
To not damage the device, complete all connections before switching it on.
58 / 220

2.2.2.4 Radio-Communication Tester (RCT)
The Radio-Communication Tester is available only with the active option.
In active measurement mode, the Radio-Communication Tester is dedicated to test DUT
performances depending on the communication protocols (GSM, EGDE, WCDMA, PHS). It
can actively test DUTs depending on the digital communication system to which the DUTs
correspond. The wide dynamic range of the tester allows accurate measurement of modulation
levels.
RCT
Refer to the Active Measurement User manual to get more information about active
measurements
The Figure 48 shows a picture of a Radio-Communication Tester.
Figure 48: Picture of a Radio-Communication Tester
To not damage the device, please refer to the RCT user guide and respect the indicated
recommendations.
59 / 220

2.2.2.5 WiFi Tester and Wideband Dynamic Range Adaptor (WDRA)
The WiFi Tester and WDRA are available only with the WiFi active option.
In active mode, the WiFi tester, in conjunction with the WDRA, enables the testing of the DUT
in the WiFi protocol.
The WiFi Tester is a commercial device which is not adapted to measurements Over The Air. So
its dynamic range has to be adjusted. In order to adapt the WiFi Testers dynamic range to the
StarLab, SATIMO has developed the Wideband Dynamic Range Adaptor. This WDRA is a
wideband variable attenuator. The user can easily adjust the attenuation level via two pushcontrol buttons. The available attenuation levels are 0, 20, 40 and 60 dB.
The WDRA is connected between the Active Switching Unit and the WiFi Tester. The SMA
connections to the WiFi Tester are located on the front of the WDRA.
The Figure 49 shows an example of a supported WiFi Tester and the Figure 50 a picture of the
WDRA. The Figure 51 describes the RF internal architecture and the
Figure 52 describes the drawings of the front of the WDRA.
WiFi testers
Refer to the Active Measurement User manual to get more information about active
measurements
Figure 49: Picture of an example of supported WiFi Tester
60 / 220
Figure 50: Picture of the WDRA
Figure 51: RF architecture of the WDRA
61 / 220
Figure 52: Drawing of the WDRA (front view)
To not damage the device, complete all connections before switching it on.
62 / 220

2.2.2.6 Industrial PC
Measurement control, data acquisition, data processing and visualization are performed via USB
and GPIB connections from an industrial PC running Windows XP and the SATIMO software
SPM, SAM, SMM and SatEnv.
The exact specifications of the PC delivered together with StarLab may change, but will in all
cases meet at least the following requirements:
1GHz CPU;
1Go RAM;
80Go Hard Disk;
DVD Reader/Writer;
Windows XP (English);
4 USB ports;
Deactivable hyperthreading.
The central unit is integrated inside the rack. The keyboard, the screen and the mouse are
connected remotely for availability.
All USB and GPIB connections to RF devices are controlled by the central unit.
The Figure 53 shows a picture of a PC.
Figure 53: Picture of the industrial PC

To not damage the device, please refer to the computer user guide and respect the
indicated recommendations
63 / 220
The installation of an anti-virus is strongly recommended and is the responsibility of the

customer
The model may differ from the picture
64 / 220

2.2.2.7 Dongle
Dongles are USB devices used to control the license of the Satimo software. Plugging a dongle
on a computer allows a user to run Satimo software and use features depending on the
authorizations he has.
Black dongles, called HL Time, include a internal clock that is used to provide temporary licenses.
They can provide permanent licenses as well.
Figure 54: Picture of the industrial PC

Software requiring a dongle
For now, only the following software needs a dongle to be launched:
SPM;
SMM (but no dongle is needed for manual measurement);
SAM (starting with version 2.13.0).
65 / 220

How-to: update a dongle
Here is the procedure to update a key. This is needed only if you need a new license or an
extension of a temporary license.
Step 1: Download Remote Update Software (RUS) from Satimo public downloads.
Satimo public downloads is at: http://downloads.satimo.fr/Software/
Step 2: Run it.

Step 3: Click on "Collect information".
Figure 55: Collect Key Status Information
Step 4: Save the file (.c2v) somewhere.

Step 5: Send it to your SATIMO technical contact person.
Step 6: Wait...
Step 7: You'll receive a new file (.v2c), save it somewhere.
66 / 220
Step 8: In RUS, click on tab "Apply license update".
Figure 56: Apply Licence Update
Step 9: In box "Update file", select the file you received (.v2c).
Step 10: Click "Apply Update".
Step 11: Wait... The update is now applied.
67 / 220

2.2.2.8 Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) (option)
To avoid level changes on the main supply power or electrical spikes, the instrumentation rack
includes an Uninterrupted Power Supply.
Two versions are available according to the main power voltage: 110V or 220V. Their
characteristics are:
UPS 220V: 220-240V / 50-60Hz / 2000VA
Voltage : 220-240V
Frequency : 50-60Hz
Power : 2000VA
UPS 110V: 100-127V / 50-60Hz / 2000VA
Voltage : 100-127V
Frequency : 50-60Hz
Power : 2000VA
A picture of a 220V version is shown on the Figure 57.
Figure 57: Picture of a UPS

To not damage the device, please refer to the UPS user guide and respect the indicated
recommendations.
The use of a UPS is highly recommended to protect the StarLab instrumentation

The model may differ from the picture
68 / 220

2.2.3
2.2.3.1
BTS conveyor (option)

Overview
The Figure 58 shows the StarLab BTS set-up overview.

The StarLab BTS comprises of:
an arch;
an electrical box;
an instrumentation rack;
a conveyor where the AUT linearly moves;
three carriers to put the BTS AUT on;
a rotary joint within a winding mechanism;
a motor to control the central carrier displacement.
Figure 58: StarLab BTS overview
69 / 220

2.2.3.2 Set-up of the BTS StarLab equipment
To adapt the classical StarLab to allow cylindrical measurements, four operations have to be
done:
mount the BTS conveyor;
connect the antenna and the conveyor motor to the electrical box;
set-up of the mechanical height zero;
set-up the antenna.
Mounting of the BTS conveyor

Make sure that all devices are switched off.
Step 1: Extension mounting on each side of the StarLab
Figure 59: Extension
70 / 220
Figure 60: Extension in place
Figure 61: Tighten the extension
71 / 220

Step 2: Central conveyor part mounting
Figure 62: Mount the central bar
Figure 63: Lock it in 0 position
Do not forget to remove the mast first by untightening it with your hands on the grey PVC
part.
72 / 220
Figure 64: Mount the adjustable feet on the extra bar
Figure 65: Align and fix the assembly on the central bar
73 / 220

Step 3: Belt mounting
Figure 66: Then pass the belt through the bar
Figure 67: Pass the belt in the pulley and below the trolleys
Figure 68: Fix the belt to the central trolley
74 / 220

Step 4: Checking alignment
The conveyor axis automatically forms a 90 angle with the plane of the probe array(s) due to the
attachment system of the extensions.
Set the level of the conveyor owing to a level.
Be careful with the winding mechanism system. Only one way of rotation is possible, as
shown in Figure 69, because of the spring.
Figure 69 : Winding system
Maximum antenna weight is 80kg.
75 / 220
Making the connections

Make sure that all devices are switched off, especially the motorization switch located on the
electrical box.
Step 1: RF connections
Only one connection differs from the spherical configuration. Everything else remains the same.
For spherical measurements, the jumper is put between the BTS IN and the BTS OUT. To
set the StarLab into the cylindrical configuration, this jumper has to be disconnected, as shown in
the Figure 70.
Then connect the RF cable between the BTS OUT port of the electrical box and the RF
connector at the rotary joint of the winding system, as shown in the Figure 71.
Figure 70: Picture of the electrical box in the cylindrical measurement mode
76 / 220
Figure 71: RF connection between the electrical box and the rotary joint
Step 2: Electrical connections
Connect the electrical cable from the mechanical limits switches, which are located on the BTS
conveyor, to the electrical box, as shown on the Figure 72.
Connect the conveyor motor cables to the linear axis BTS connections located on the left side
of the electrical box and put the motor switch in the BTS position, as shown in the Figure 73.
Put the selector in BTS position. The selector is located to the right of the motor connectors.
See Figure 131.
Do not forget putting the selector to SLB and the RF jumper back on when going back to
the spherical configuration
77 / 220
Figure 72: Electrical connection between the electrical box and the mechanical limits
switches
Figure 73: Motor axis connections between the conveyor motor and the electrical box
78 / 220
Setting the mechanical height zero position

Before any measurement, the zero of the height axis has to be set-up to correctly determine its
origin.
The AUT is located on three carriers, as shown in the Figure 75. The central carrier is driven by
the conveyor motor and the two others are free and are used to support the AUT only. The
height zero is defined when the centre of the central carrier is located in the central plane of the
arch.
Launch the Cylindrical StarLab software.
The Cylindric Starlab software can be launched from Start, Program, Satimo, Cylindric
Starlab.
SatEnv must be launched before launching Cylindric StarLab.
Figure 74: BTS StarLab Measurement Setup window and Height motor control window
79 / 220

Then click on Setup and direct control, the Height Motor Control window appears as shown
on the above figure.
Enter the position value and click on Set until the driven carrier is in the central plane of the
arch.
Click on Set this position in the origin (0cm).
Click on Close.
At this step, the zero of the height axis is defined.
A picture of the controlled carrier located at the zero position is shown on the Figure 75.
Figure 75: Picture of the driven carrier located at the zero position
To move the driven carrier, open the Height Motor Control and enter the wanted
position.
80 / 220
Set-up a BTS antenna

Place the BTS antenna on the carriers and connect the RF cable between the 6dB attenuator on
the antenna port and the rotary joint, as shown in Figure 76 and Figure 77.
Make sure that the central position of the BTS antenna is located at the central point of the
driven carrier.
Figure 76: Set-up of a BTS antenna on the conveyor
Figure 77: Connecting the BTS antenna RF cable on the rotary joint RF connection
81 / 220
2.2.4
Mounting parts to set up the reference antennas
This chapter deals with the mounting of the SATIMO reference antennas on the StarLab
equipment.
Three types of reference antennas are available:
horns;
dipoles & loops;
BTS antennas.
Each of them is described with:
a picture or a drawing;
technical specifications;
dedicated interface to ensure mounting at the centre of the arch.
The reference antennas which are described in this chapter are some examples of the
SATIMO available products. These products are in continuous evolution or new ones can be
custom designed. Contact your SATIMO sales contact person to receive an updated list of
available reference antennas or to develop a specific antenna.
A port-saver (SMA connector), should always be connected at the top of the mast cable. It
reduces the risk of having to replace the whole mast cable in case it breaks.
82 / 220

2.2.4.1
Reference Horns
SH800
Figure 78 shows a picture of the SH800.
Figure 78: Picture of the SH800
The SH800 can operate from 0.8 to 12 GHz.

To set-up the SH800, the following mounting parts are necessary:
polystyrene interface;
6dB attenuator and port saver;
RF cable.
83 / 220

The picture below shows the necessary mounting parts.
Polystyrene interface
6dB attenuator
Port saver
REPERE 6 RF
Cable for SH800
Figure 79: Mounting parts to set up the SH800

To set-up the SH800 at the centre of the arch, follow these steps, as shown on the Figure 80:
Step 1: connect the RF cable (Repere 6) on the saver
Step 2: mount the polystyrene interface by sliding it onto the mast
Step 3: connect the 6dB attenuator on the SH800
Step 4: mount the SH800 on the polystyrene interface and connect the RF cable to the 6dB
attenuator. Make sure to torque all connections with a torque wrench
84 / 220
Figure 80: SH800 mounting on the mast
85 / 220

SH2000
Figure 81 shows a picture of the SH2000.

The operating range of the SH4000 is from 2GHz to 32GHz.
To set-up the SH2000, the following mounting parts are necessary:
PVC interface;
6dB attenuator and port saver;
RF cable.
The Figure 82 shows the necessary mounting parts.
86 / 220
PVC Interface
6dB attenuator
REPERE 7 RF
cable for SH2000
Figure 82 : Mounting parts to set up the SH2000

To set-up the SH2000 at the centre of the arch, follow these steps, as shown on the Figure 83:
Step 1: connect the 6dB attenuator to the saver
Step 2: connect the RF cable (Repere 7) on the 6dB attenuator
Step 3: mount the SH2000 on the PVC interface
Step 4: mount the SH2000 with the interface on the mast and connect the RF cable to the
SH2000
87 / 220
Figure 83: Mounting the SH2000 on the mast
88 / 220

SH4000
The Figure 84 shows a picture of the SH4000.

The operating range of the SH4000 is from 4GHz to 36GHz.
To set-up the SH4000 at the centre of the arch, the procedure is the same as for the SH2000 but
with the RF cable Repere 8. See the precedent chapter. The Figure 60 shows a picture of the
SH4000 placed in StarLab.
Figure 85: SH4000 placed at the centre of the arch
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2.2.4.2 Dipoles
Several SATIMO reference sleeve dipoles are available. The most common dipoles can operate
over frequency bands whose central frequencies are:
900 MHz;
1800 MHz;
1900 MHz;
2050 MHz;
2450 MHz;
5150 MHz;
5650 MHz.
The Figure 86 shows a set of dipoles.
Figure 86: Picture of a set of dipoles
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Procedure to mount the dipoles operating between 800MHz and 1000MHz
REPERE 3 RF cable
for 800-1000MHz dipoles
6 dB attenuator
Port saver
Dipole
Polystyrene interface
Figure 87 : Mounting parts to set up the dipoles operating between 800MHz and
1000MHz
To set-up one of these dipoles at the centre of the arch, follow these steps, as shown on the
Figure 88:
Step 1: connect the dedicated RF cable to the saver
Step 2: connect the 6dB attenuator to the RF cable
Step 3: connect the dipole to the attenuator
Step 4: slide the polystyrene interface over the dipole
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1
Figure 88: Mounting the dipole operating between 800MHz-1000MHz on the mast
92 / 220

Procedure to mount the dipoles operating between 1800MHz and 3000MHz
REPERE 4 RF cable
for 1800-3000 dipoles
6dB attenuator
Port saver
Dipole
Polystyrene interfaces
Figure 89: Mounting parts to set up the dipoles operating between 1800MHz and
3000MHz
Figure 90:
Step 2: connect the 6dB attenuator to the RF cable
Step 4: slide the higher polystyrene interface over the dipole
Step 5: mount the smaller polystyrene interface on top of the first one
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Figure 90: Mounting the dipole operating between 1800MHz and 3000MHz on the mast
94 / 220

Procedure to mount the dipoles working between 5150MHz and 5650MHz
REPERE 5 RF cable
for 5200-5600 dipoles
6dB attenuator
Dipole
Polystyrene interfaces
Figure 91: Mounting parts to set up the dipoles operating between 5150MHz and
5650MHz
Figure 92:
Step 2: connect the 6dB attenuator on the RF cable
Step 4: slide the taller polystyrene interface over the dipole
Step 5: mount the smaller polystyrene interface on top of the first one
95 / 220
Figure 92: Mounting the dipole operating between 5150MHz-5650MHz on the mast
96 / 220

2.2.4.3 Reference BTS antennas
BS892
The SATIMO reference BS-892 antenna is shown on the Figure 93.
Figure 93: Picture of the reference BTS antenna BS892 in a SG64
See Antenna Satimo Catalog for further details
97 / 220

BS1940
The SATIMO reference BS-1940 antenna is shown on the Figure 94.
.
Figure 94: Picture of the reference BTS antenna BS1940
See Antenna Satimo Catalog for further details

Mount a BTS antenna on the BTS conveyor by fixing it to the three carriers, as shown on the
Figure 95. Make sure that the centre of BTS antenna corresponds to the centre of the driven
carrier.
98 / 220
Figure 95: Mounting a BTS antenna on the BTS conveyor
99 / 220

2.2.5
2.2.5.1
Accessories
Polystyrene half sphere (option)
The polystyrene half sphere allows for measuring DUTs whose weight is less than 10 kg(e.g.:
phantom head with phone, laptop ). The Figure 96 shows an example of this configuration.
The half sphere is made of two parts, making the adjustment of the height easy as shown on the
Figure 97. The two possible measurement positions are shifted 10 cm along the z axis.
Figure 96: laptop under test on the half sphere
Figure 97: Polystyrene sphere made of two parts

To mount the half sphere, slide it directly onto the mast after having connected the RF cable.
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2.2.5.2 Probe calibration interface
The PVC interface shown on the Figure 98 is used to mount the SH2000 or the SH4000 horn
correctly in order to do the system calibration.
Figure 98: PVC interface for the system calibration
The interface shown on Figure 82 is also required during the system calibration. See Part B
Chapter 1.3 for further details.
101 / 220

2.2.5.3 Phantom head and liquid (option)
A phantom head allows for performing full characterisation of handset antenna when taking into
account the influence of the head on the performance.
The Figure 99 shows a picture of the SATIMO head phantom and the Figure 100 the SATIMO
liquid.
Refer to the RF Safety Catalog for more information about the phantom head and the
available liquid or contact your SATIMO sales contact person
Figure 99: SATIMO phantom head
102 / 220
Figure 100: SATIMO liquid
SATIMO recommends that the liquid is returned to its original canister to ensure its
consistent through mixing when poured
The liquid may lose its specifications because of water evaporation. SATIMO recommends
to periodically measure these specifications using the SATIMO LIMESAR for example. Refer the
RF Safety Catalog for further details about the LIMESAR.
103 / 220

2.2.5.4 Phantom hands (option)
The phantom hand allows testing active devices such as mobile phones and measuring their
interaction with the hand holding it.
The phantom hand is generally made of a conductive silicone which is a tissue equivalent
material.
Both right and left hands are available. A picture of a right hand phantom is shown on the Figure
101.
Figure 101: Example of a right phantom hand
For more information about the phantom hands, please contact your SATIMO technical
contact person
104 / 220

2.2.5.5 Mast antenna for active measurements
The mast antenna is used for active measurements to establish a link between the RCT and the
DUT. The Figure 102 shows a picture of a mast antenna, and the Figure 103 shows its typical
reflection coefficient until 8500MHz.
For more information about the use of the mast antenna, please refer to the SAM User
Guide.
Figure 102: Mast antenna
Figure 103: Typical reflection coefficient of the mast antenna
105 / 220

2.2.5.6 Interface for active measurements
The active measurement interface allows for testing wireless devices such as mobile phones or
handheld devices.
The Figure 104 shows a picture of the interface. It is made of RF transparent foam.
Figure 104: Interface for active measurements

The following figure shows how to set-up the StarLab for the active mode.
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Figure 105: Set-up of the protocole mode

Step 1: connect the mast antenna to the mast cable (without the 6dB attenuator).
Step 2: mount the tallest polystyrene interface on the mast.
Step 3: put the yellow foam interface on top of the polystyrene interface.
Step 4: put the DUT in the yellow foam
107 / 220

2.2.5.7 Shielded room (option)
A shielded room may be furnished with the StarLab equipment. Its characteristics can be
customised. The Figure 106 shows an example of such a room.
Figure 106: Interface for active measurements
For a room quotation, please contact your SATIMO sales contact.

In case there is a room a drawing of the standard transition panel is given in Appendix 3. It can
be provided by SATIMO as an option.
108 / 220

2.2.5.8 LCD Betabrite (option)
A LCD betabrite is available to show some information in real time during active measurements.
The Figure 107 shows some pictures of it.
Figure 107: LCD Betabrite
2.2.5.9 Printer (option)

A printer is available to print reports from the SatEnv software.
2.2.5.10 RF torque wrench and SATIMO key

A RF torque wrench and a specific SATIMO key are supplied with the StarLab to ensure a
correct tightening of the cables. The SATIMO key is also used for removing the mast cable when
switching to the cylindrical configuration. See Part B Chapter 1.6 for information.
2.2.5.11 Allen keys
A set of Allen keys is supplied with the StarLab equipment. It is used for (dis)mounting the rings
and the BTS conveyor (See Part A Chapter 2.2.3 for further details).
2.2.5.12 Extra cable

An extra cable is available for active measurements. It is used during the active gain calibration.
Refer to the Active Measurement User Guide to get information about the active gain
calibration.
109 / 220

2.2.5.13 6dB and 10 dB attenuators
A 6dB attenuator is supplied with the StarLab equipment. It avoids the non-linear behaviour of
the Power Amplifier on the Tx channel that could happen in case the AUT has a bad S11. See
Part A Chapter 2.2.4 to correctly set the 6dB attenuator.
A 10dB attenuator is also furnished with the active measurement option. It is used during the
active gain calibration.
Refer to the Active Measurement User Guide to get information about the active gain
calibration.
110 / 220
111 / 220
Part A. 3 _ Safety instructions and installation requirements
3 Safety instructions and installation requirements

This chapter deals with:
safety instructions
installation requirements
3.1 Safety instructions

3.1.1
EC Certificate of Conformity
This product has been tested in accordance with EC Certificate of Conformity and has left the
manufacturers plant in a condition fully complying with safety standards.
All SATIMO equipments are fully tested and controlled at factory.
The Figure 108 shows a picture of a CE sticker put on the StarLab including its serial number.
Figure 108: CE sticker

To maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the user must observe all instructions
and warnings given in this operating manual.
If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the equipment could be
impaired. This product must be used under normal conditions only (in which all means for
protection are intact).
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3.1.2
Safety related symbols used on equipment
Caution, risk of danger. Observe the operating manual

Caution, risk of electric shock
Protective conductor terminal
Alternating current
|
On (Supply)
O Off (Supply)
Safety and use recommendations:

In case of emergency, push the emergency button shown in Figure 34, which is located
on the top of electrical box;
Make sure that nothing prevents the arch or the mast from rotating;
Do not touch absorbers;
StarLab is delivered inside a specific box. To remove it please refer to SATIMO;
Move StarLab only by rolling it on its wheels;
Respect the common precautions relating to electronic devices: do not let StarLab outside
or in a humid environment, do not spill liquid on it, etc;
Respect the common precautions and practices relative to RF measurements;
Handle with care when moving StarLab. Do not tilt it; do not lay it on its side. In
particular, be careful with the carter box below StarLab;
Put the brakes on the wheels when StarLab is located in the chamber;
Probes and absorbers should not be touched or manipulated to ensure the reliability of
the measurement equipment;
Do not place StarLab close to a heating source;
Make sure that the any lighting does not warm up the arch, especially the absorbers;
If there is no DUT then connect a 50 ohm load to the mast cable;
Respect the power limitations for each electronic device;
Respect the order to switch on and switch off the electrical devices;
Do not use chemical products to clean absorbers or probes;
Connections must be done with all devices off;
To increase the lifetime of the system and to get a better stability, it is recommended to
leave the instrumentation rack on;
Make sure that the air-vents into and out of any device, and specially the electrical box,
are unobstructed.
114 / 220
3.2 Installation requirements

3.2.1
Room
The room must be located with access to appropriate power and, preferably, air conditioning.
The floor surface on which the optional anechoic chamber will rest must be clean, free of
irregularities, smooth and level. All metallic surfaces that may make contact with the erected
chamber structure must be removed or isolated.
Customer shall provide a clean, dry and secure staging area for storage and lay-out of optional
shield room components and other materials, as close to the location of the chamber site as
possible.
Customer shall provide adequate disposal of empty shipping crates and other expendable
materials from the system installation.
Customer shall provide electrical power (2 each 20Amp, 240V or 120V circuits) and lighting
during installation.
Receiving facility should have a standard height loading dock, and a 2.5 tons forklift and
operator.
If the site is not on the ground floor, a freight elevator is available to transport 4 x 8 pallets.
In case there is no shielded room, two screens of absorbers in front and behind the StarLab are
advisable to minimize reflectivity.
To avoid perturbations during the measurement, all metallic objects should be placed out of the
free space area. The instrumentation rack is located on the side or outside the shielded room if
any.
3.2.2
Power cabling
The available AC power source (16A minimum) must meet the following requirements:
Voltage range
100 240 volts nominal
Frequency range
50 60 Hz nominal
Power
200W maximum
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3.3 Warranty
SATIMO warrants that the SATIMO products are free from any defect in design, material or
workmanship during a period of one year from the date of successful acceptance test.
The Customer shall notify promptly SATIMO in writing of any defect occurred on the products.
The Customer shall allow SATIMO to perform at any time any inspection or control at its
premises that SATIMO may consider useful for remedying the defects. Upon SATIMOs request
the Customer shall return the defective Product to SATIMO.
SATIMO shall decide whether to repair or replace the defective Product. Any other remedy for
warranty whether expressed or implied is expressly excluded including without limitation
reimbursement of the amount paid for the Product repairs by a third party. SATIMO may
consult the Customer for remedying the alleged defects but Customers suggestion shall not bind
SATIMO in any respect for the application of this clause.
SATIMO shall use its best effort for remedying the defects within the shortest period with
respect to the contractual planning. SATIMO shall not be liable for any delay in the contractual
performance alleged by the Customer, due to performance by SATIMO of its warranty
obligation.
During the warranty period, SATIMO will, at its option, either repair or replace products deemed
defective.
Delivery to the Customer of the Product properly repaired shall be deemed to be a fulfillment by
SATIMO of its warranties obligation. Import taxes and duties are at Customers charge.
Defective parts replaced in accordance with this clause shall remain SATIMOs property.
The warranty provided under this clause covers the following expenses:
cost of transportation to and from customers and SATIMO premises;
cost of parts;
cost of manpower;
technical support via telephone or Internet.
Any other expense is expressly excluded from the scope of this warranty. The warranty does not
apply to the third party equipments. Third parties warranties apply.
116 / 220
The warranty shall not apply where:

defects are caused by any component, equipment, test mean provided by the customer;
the product have not been used, maintained or stored in accordance with any instruction
provided by SATIMO;
the product has been altered or repaired without SATIMOs prior written consent or
such repairs or alterations have been carried out improperly;
the defects are due to normal wear and tear;
the customer would have been aware of the alleged defects before the contract
conclusion by conducting an elementary checking.
SATIMO will propose an annual maintenance contract to the customer at the expiry of the
warranty period.
The warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate use and
maintenance by Customer. Unauthorized modification, misuse, or operation not in compliance
with the specifications for the product may void the product warranty.
117 / 220
3.4 Spare parts

SATIMO warrants that functionally equivalent spare parts will be available for at least ten (10)
years following the sale of a measurement system.
Critical parts are labeled and stored at SATIMOs facilities.
118 / 220
119 / 220
Part A. 4 _ Technical specifications and measurement performances
4 Technical specifications and measurement

performances
This chapter describes:
technical specifications of the StarLab;
measurement performances of the StarLab.
For the BTS option, see the section Part B Chapter 1.6 for more information.
4.1 Technical specifications

4.1.1
Environmental requirements
StarLab is designed for use in the following environmental conditions:

indoor use;
5C to 45C temperature, unless specified differently;
maximum relative humidity of 80% for temperature up to 31C, decreasing linearly to
50% at 40C.
The StarLab is designed to perform measurements in a pollution degree 2.
Optimum conditions:
Optimum temperature range functioning: 20C 2C ;
Optimum humidity functioning conditions: 50% 20%.
121 / 220

4.1.2
Mechanical specifications
The specifications of the StarLab are following:
Figure 109: Mechanical specifications
122 / 220

4.1.3
DUT size
StarLab allows for testing small and medium size antennas in 3D ranging from 800 MHz up to
18 GHz. Its capability is limited by its internal diameter (90 cm) but it can take advantage of the
rotation of the arch by using oversampling (arch rotation), when necessary.
The maximum DUT size is the diameter of the minimal sphere, centred in the arch, and fully
enclosing the DUT.
The maximum DUT size (cm) is a function of the frequency and the spatial resolution i.e. the
number of oversampling, as shown by this formula:
RDUT
180
Co
*
* NbOversampling
22.5 2 * * f
where:
RDUT is the maximum DUT size (m);
Co is the velocity of light. Co=3.108 m.s-1 ;
f is the frequency (Hz);
NbOversampling is the number of oversampling.
A number of oversampling equal to 1 corresponds to a measurement with the 15 sensors of the
arch without any rotation. An oversampling movement by 2 emulates for instance an array of 30
sensors for example.
The following figure provides the DUT maximum size depending on the frequency and the
NbOversampling.
123 / 220
Figure 110: Maximum diameter of the DUT according to the number of oversampling
124 / 220
4.2 Measurement specifications

The measurement specifications of the StarLab in passive mode are given in the following table:
Figure 111: Measurement specifications
OTA performance measurement specifications of StarLab are given in the following table:
125 / 220
Figure 112: OTA specifications
126 / 220
127 / 220
Part B. 1 _ Passive mode
Part B. Use of the StarLab

1 Passive mode
This chapter deals with the procedures for measurements in passive mode and especially with:
overview of the main steps of a measurement;
procedure to set-up the StarLab equipment;
procedure to calibrate the system;
measurements in spherical configuration;
measurements in cylindrical configuration (BTS option);
post-processing.
1.1 Overview of the main steps of the near field measurement

To get information about the principles of the Near Field measurement and the Near Field
to Far Field transform, please refer to Part A Chapter 1.2.2.
The main steps to measure the Near Field radiated by the AUT and calculate the Far Field with
the StarLab are:
system calibration;
gain calibration;
real time view:
data acquisition;
post-processing.
The following figure shows the software used during these steps.
System calibration
System Calibration
Gain calibration, real time view and data acquisition

SPM (spherical geometry) / Cylindric SL (cylindrical geometry)
Post-processing
SatEnv
Figure 113: software used in passive mode
129 / 220
1.2 Set-up and switching the instruments on/off

To prepare the StarLab equipment, make sure that all connections between the subsystems are
correct. A SATIMO technician will do these connections at the installation of the StarLab.
Connections must be done with all power off
1.2.1
Switch on the equipment
To switch on the instruments, SATIMO recommends following this order:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.2.2
switch on the UPS if any;

switch on the electrical box (or Control Unit): main power then motors;
switch on the AU;
switch on the ASU if any;
switch on the VNA;
switch on the RCT if any;
switch on the industrial PC.
Switch off the equipment
To switch off the instruments, SATIMO recommends respecting this order:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.2.3
switch off the industrial PC;

switch off the RCT if any;
switch off the VNA;
switch off the ASU if any;
switch off the AU;
switch off the electrical box (or Control Unit): motors then main power;
switch off the UPS if any.
Passive hardware configuration
SPM must be configured according to the hardware thats being used with the StarLab. Please
follow the procedure below.
Step 1
Go to Start menu, All programs, Satimo, Configuration and Passive Hardware
Configuration. Select the System type list and choose StarLab version D.
130 / 220
Figure 114: Passive hardware configuration - step 1

Step 2
Amplification unit: click on Search.
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Select the available Amplification Unit and click Ok.

Step 3
Vectorial Network Analyser: click on Search.

Select the available VNA and click Ok
Step 4
Active Switching Unit (optional)
If no Active Measurement option, go to Step 5.
132 / 220

If Active Measurement option, then select the Use an active Switching Unit option and click
Search.
133 / 220

Select the available Active switching line and click Ok.
Step 5
Click Ok.
The hardware configuration has to be set only once unless the hardware change
134 / 220
1.2.4
Set-up the DUT
Connect the appropriate RF cable to the port-saver at the top of the mast cable. Do not forget
the 6dB attenuator.
Install the most suitable interface at the top of the mast.
Put the DUT on the interface.
Then connect DUT to the RF cable.
Refer to Part A Chapter 2.2.4 to set-up the SATIMO reference antennas and use them
as examples.
The available accessories and interfaces are listed in Part A Chapter 2.2.5.
All SMA connectors should be tightened with a torque wrench.
SATIMO recommends placing the DUT so that its phase centre is as close as possible to
the centre of the arch. The centre of the arch is on the intersection of the mast axis and the
probe 4 probe 12 axis.
For a DUT whose weight is more than 3kg (e.g.: phantom head + phone, laptop) use the
polystyrene half sphere interface.
The DUT should not exceed 10kg. This maximum load can be shifted 15cm from the mast axis
to allow for centring of the DUT in StarLab.
Do not bend the RF cables.
When no DUT is connected to the mast RF cable, connect a 50
the active RF components.
load to avoid damaging
The StarLab equipment is ready to use.
135 / 220
1.3 System calibration

This chapter deals with the system calibration and presents:
why calibrate the system?;
principle of the system calibration;
how to do the system calibration;
some recommendations.
1.3.1
1.3.1.1
Why calibrate and the principle of calibration

Goal of the system calibration
The goal of the system calibration is to:

normalize the magnitude and the phase responses of each probe for both polarizations;
minimize the cross-coupling between the two polarizations of each probe;
align the radio-electric of all probes over the full measurement bandwidth.
There is a second calibration procedure whose aim is to make the association between
numerical value observed on the system and the real amplitude of the field. See Part B Chapter
1.5.1 for further details about the gain calibration.
1.3.1.2
Calibration principles
For any given probe and frequency, system calibration algorithm operates as follow:
Starting from raw measurement data, x , algorithm evaluates some optimal orthomodal
C
coefficients, opt , aiming to minimize the distance between the signal observed after
correction, C x , and the signal estimated to be the ideal one, x , for that probe and frequency.
Except for the probe that starts the recursion, the ideal signal is estimated by positioning both the
previously calibrated probe and the probe currently being calibrated at the same location, by
means of moving the arch, so that they should observe exactly the same signal. Calibration is
then a matter of tuning coefficients for the not yet calibrated probe in order for it to observe the
same signal as the calibrated one. For the probe that starts the recursion, ideal signal is obtained
mathematically.
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1.3.1.3
Calibration performance
The calibration report is automatically created and stored in the folder corresponding to
the system calibration
Raw confidence level
Calibration performance is measured and reported by calculating the signal to noise ratio that
subsists after the calibration process:
conf
10 log10
Power x
Power ( x C x )
The higher this value is, the more the calibration algorithm has succeeded in having the corrected
signal match with the ideal one. This signal to noise ratio is a scale for evaluating how confident
the user can be with the calibration process. This is why it is called the confidence level.
The raw confidence level is a good indicator to state if a probe is calibrated correctly or not but
this indicator is only a local one.
Indeed comparison is made with the ideal signal x , but the user must remember that this signal is
obtained from the previously calibrated probe. If for any reason, the ideal signal is not measured
correctly (e.g. previous probe poorly calibrated, signal not measured at exactly the same location,
noisy data, etc), the algorithm may still succeed in matching provided ideal signal while it really
is not what the probe should measure.
If you look at raw confidence level in the calibration report you will see that:
for one frequency, the confidence level can increase and decrease from one probe to the
next. This simply means that the algorithm has succeeded in matching ideal signal
obtained from previous probe or not, whether this ideal signal is correct or not;
for one probe, the confidence level can vary from one frequency to the next. Effectively
signal matching depends not only on previous match but on all previously accumulated
matches. Small variations in estimated signal will accumulate differently from one
frequency to another and will result in a non-smooth confidence shape versus frequency;
for the 6-18GHz array, the confidence level can also drastically vary from one frequency
to another even for the probes that start the recursion. For this array, the algorithm has
the choice between the two top probes to start the recursion and it may choose one or
the other independently regarding of the frequency.
137 / 220

1.3.1.4
Sanitized confidence level
As reading the raw confidence level for qualifying calibration results is too complex for nonadvanced users, a simpler confidence level has been implemented.
This confidence level is computed from the raw confidence level in two steps:
first, raw confidence level is scaled between 0.0 and 1.0, to indicate if a probe is correctly
calibrated compared to the previous one;
this normalized confidence level is then recursively multiplied by the previous one in
order to take into account the previous probe in the recursion.
This sanitized confidence level is much simpler to read and has a global meaning. The closer it
is to 1.0, the higher your confidence can be in the calibration process.
Too many values below 0.8 means that you should carefully review your measurement setup
and installation
1.3.1.5
Conclusion
The raw confidence level is provided in the calibration report. It is a local indicator of how well
calibrated the probe is compared to the previous one. It has complex meaning as a global
calibration indicator since it may vary from one probe to the next and from one frequency to the
next because of the recursive nature of the calibration process.
Sanitized confidence level is a global calibration indicator. It is normalized between 0.0 and 1.0
(0.0 = poorly calibrated, 1.0 = excellent). For a given frequency it can only decrease during the
recursion from the top probe to the bottom probes. For a given probe, this indicator is stable
versus the frequency.
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1.3.2
Procedure
Launch the System Calibration software.

The System Calibration software can be launched from Start, Programs, Satimo,
Calibration, System Calibration
Step 1
Choose the frequency band -0.8-6GHz or 6-18GHz- to be calibrated.
Choose the measurement mode Passive or Active to be calibrated.
The frequency step is automatically set to 10MHz for both probe arrays.
Figure 122: Calibration parameters
139 / 220

Step 2 to 5
Once a step is finished click on Next
Some recommendations are given at each step of the wizard. Please follow them carefully.
See in Part B Chapter 1.4 the reset the zero azimuth position option to make alignment
easier before the Step 1.
The SH2000 is used to calibrate the 0.8-6 GHz probe array and the SH4000 is used to
calibrate the 6-18 GHz array.
Figure 123: System calibration step 2
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141 / 220
Figure 127: Successful system calibration in passive mode
142 / 220
Figure 128: Unsuccessful system calibration in passive mode
Figure 129: Successful system calibration in active mode
143 / 220
Figure 130: Unsuccessful system calibration in active mode
A folder is automatically created on your desktop where all calibration files are stored
including the calibration report.
The system calibration should be done once a year, after each time the Starlab is moved or
after certain maintenance tasks.
Once the computation has finished successfully, the calibration has to be loaded into the
software.
144 / 220

SPM
In the Manage system calibrations menu of SPM, delete the previous calibration -if any- by
selecting it in the list and click on the Delete button. Then import the new one by clicking on
the Import button, then choose internal format and go and search for the calibration file
located in the folder Calibration files of the corresponding measurement folder (on the
desktop).
You can check that it has been loaded correctly by letting the cursor on the calibration field at the
bottom of SPM as you can see on the following figure. When there is no calibration file loaded,
the field appears in red.
Figure 131: Calibration information
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SatEnv (BTS option only)
In the command line of SatEnv, type LoadCalib Ctrl+shift+D (go and search the
'C:\Calib\Ref\passive' folder) and press Enter
SAM
Refer to the SAM User Guide
SMM
Refer to the SMM User Guide
146 / 220
1.4 The real time viewer (spherical configuration only)

SPM will display the current vertical cut in the plane of the arch in real time.
The SPM software can be launched from Start, Programs, Satimo, Passive
Measurement
The real-time viewer graphical interface options are:
Cartesian and polar view;
default markers on the antennas co-polar , cross-polar, and total (amplitude only);
up to 5 memory settings;
plotting
o Ev/Eh;
o circular;
o Ludwig III;
pause button to pause real time view (this will also turn the RF power off);
set the azimuth zero position from SPM control panel;
copy data to clipboard from real time and memories.
SPM is a user-friendly interface and all options are very intuitive as you can see on the following
pictures.
Figure 132: Amplitude of co-polar, cross-polar and total field in polar axes
147 / 220
Figure 133: Amplitude and phase of co-polar and cross-polar in cartesian axes
Copy
button
Set
the
position
azimuth
zero
Pause
button
Markers
Memory
buttons
Figure 134: Amplitude and phase of co-polar and cross-polar
148 / 220
1.5 Spherical measurements

the gain calibration
how to perform a measurement
The data acquisition is done by SPM including the gain calibration.
The SPM software can be launched from Start, Programs, Satimo, Passive
Measurement
1.5.1
Gain calibration
Before doing a DUT radiated pattern measurement, the system has to be calibrated in gain. It will
allow calculating the absolute gain of the DUT during the post-processing.
1.5.1.1
Principle
The principle of the gain calibration is to run a standard measurement of a reference antenna
whose gain has been measured in a reference measurement range. Then the calibration consists
of a comparison between this measured gain (or efficiency) and the reference gain (or efficiency)
of the antenna which results in a calculated offset.
This calculated offset, which corresponds to the transfer function of the StarLab, is then used
during every NF to FF transform to get a reference level.
The offset values are stored in a file which is called gain.cal and stored in the C:\Calib\Ref
folder.
The first column corresponds to the frequency in MHz.
The offset is equal to the difference between the 3rd and the 4th column which respectively
correspond to the reference gain (or efficiency) and the non-referenced measured gain (or
efficiency) in dB.
It is possible to add losses in the 2nd column. For example enter the value 10 if an extra
10dB attenuator has been used during the measurement. It prevents the user from having to redo
the gain calibration.
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Figure 135: Format of the gain.cal file
1.5.1.2
Recommendations
A gain calibration is suggested once a week and each time the RF channel is modified, after
having changed a RF cable for example and after each system calibration.
SATIMO recommends a 10MHz frequency step for the 0.8-6GHz probe array and a
20MHz one for the 6-18GHz probe array.
For example, the gain calibration can be done with the SATIMO reference horns.
Depending on the wanted frequency band SATIMO advises to use:
SH800 over the 0.8-6 GHz band;
SH2000 over the 6-18 GHz band.
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1.5.1.3
Procedure
Step 1
Click on Start a measurement to configure the measurement.
Figure 136: Configure the measurement

Set the frequency distribution either in linear mode by choosing the Start and the Stop Frequency
and the number of Frequency Points or the Frequency Step, or a list of frequencies.
The list of frequencies can be entered either by typing each frequency point or by copying
an existing list from MS Excel for example
The frequency points must be in an increasing order and the list must be in the form of a
row. The frequency points must match with the range of the used probe array.
Set also the spatial resolution (spatial sampling) either by setting the Antenna diameter of the
DUT or by choosing the number of Oversampling. The number of Oversampling is the number
of movements of the arch along the elevation axis. See table in Part A - Chapter 4.1.3 to calculate
the required number of Oversampling depending on the size of the AUT and the highest
frequency point of the measurement setup.
151 / 220

The Measure over 360 option makes a spatial averaging by doing an average on two
measurements. One measurement is done from Phi=0 to 180 and the other one is done from
Phi=180 to 360. This spatial averaging smoothes the defaults of the set-up. It helps to get better
patterns when the AUT is tilted or when the environment is not symmetric for example.
Step 2
Click on Start a measurement to Start the measurement.
Step 3
At the end of the measurement, the data can be exported either to SatEnv or used in Use as a
gain calibration.
Choose the last option.
A project must be opened in SatEnv and a folder node must be selected to make the export
possible. Refer to Part B - Chapter 1.7.2.2 to see how to create a project
Then select the type of antenna, Horn or Dipole, as well as the type of calibration method, Gain
or Efficiency. Depending on the chosen method gain or efficiency reference data will be taken
into account.
Figure 137: compute the gain.cal file
152 / 220
The Append to previous calibration makes it possible to join different gain calibration
measurements
If you choose the Gain calibration method then the boresight gain will be taken into
account when antenna type is Horn and the maximum gain will be taken into account when
antenna type is Dipole
Do not forget to select the reference file of the corresponding antenna. The reference files
must follow a certain format according to the following figure. use these units - gain and
efficiency in dB, frequencies in MHz
Figure 138 : Format of the reference files

The 2nd column S11 is not used
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1.5.2
DUT measurement procedure
Step 1
Click on Start a measurement to configure the measurement.
Figure 139: Configure the measurement

row. The frequency points must match with the range of the used probe array.
Set also the spatial resolution (spatial sampling) either by setting the Antenna diameter of the
DUT or by choosing the number of Oversampling. The number of Oversampling is the number
of movements of the arch along the elevation axis. See table in Part A - Chapter 4.1.3 to calculate
the required number of Oversampling depending on the size of the AUT and the highest
frequency point of the measurement setup.
The Measure over 360 option makes a spatial averaging by doing an average on two
measurements. One measurement is done from Phi=0 to 180 and the other one is done from
154 / 220

Phi=180 to 360. This spatial averaging smoothes the defaults of the set-up. It helps to get better
patterns when the AUT is tilted or when the environment is not symmetric for example.
Step 2
Click on Start a measurement to Start the measurement.
Step 3
At the end of the measurement, the data can be exported either to SatEnv or used in Use as a
gain calibration.
Choose the first option.
possible. Refer to Part B Chapter 1.7.2.2 to see how to create a project
The created node in SatEnv corresponds to the NF data with the probe calibration applied.
Refer to Part B - Chapter 1.8 for the post-processing
155 / 220
1.6 Cylindrical measurements

Cylindrical measurements are available with the StarLab BTS option. StarLab BTS is designed to
measure directive antennas like Base Station antennas.
the gain calibration;
how to perform a measurement.
The data acquisition is done by Cylindric Starlab including the gain calibration.
The Cylindric Starlab software can be launched from Start, Program, Satimo, Cylindric
Starlab.
SatEnv must be launched before launching Cylindric StarLab
possible. Refer to Part B Chapter 1.7.2.2 to see how to create a project
1.6.1
Gain calibration
Before doing a DUT radiated pattern measurement, the system has to be calibrated in gain. It will
allow for calculating the absolute gain of the DUT during the post-processing.
1.6.1.1
Principle
The principle is exactly the same as for the spherical configuration. See Part B - Chapter 1.5.1
The format of the gain.cal and the reference files remain the same too.
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1.6.1.2
Recommendations
A gain calibration is suggested once a week and each time the RF channel is modified after
having changed a RF cable for example and after each system calibration.
SATIMO recommends a 10MHz frequency step.
The BTS measurements are available with the 0.8-6GHz probe array only.
A 1-port calibration is sufficient to calibrate both polarizations.
Make sure that the centre of the antenna is in the plane of the probe array(s) when the
height position is 0.
The gain calibration can only be done with a BTS antenna such as the SATIMO reference
BTS antennas BS892 & BS1940.
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1.6.1.3
Procedure
Figure 140: BTS StarLab Measurement Setup window
158 / 220

Step 1: Set the Height axis
Length
This note gives the formula to obtain the theoretical length needed for a cylindrical set-up
measurement system in BTS StarLab regarding the length of the BTS antenna measured.
The Figure 141 shows the geometrical parameters of the BTS installation that allow for
calculating the theoretical scan length.
Figure 141: Drawing of geometrical parameters that allow calculating the scan length
With:
R = 0.45 m , arch radius;
scan (rad): measurement aperture between the BTS antenna centre and the arch central
position;
LAUT (m): BTS antenna length;
Lt (m): minimum length of the conveyor;
Lscan (m): scan length.
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And:
Lt
Lscan
Lscan
L AUT
2 R tan
The scanned length must be longer than the antenna length.

Number of points
On the height axis, the sampling criterion is defined by
length.
/2, where
is the measurement wave
It corresponds to the Nyquist criterion.
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Step 2: Set the Frequency axis
row
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Step 3: Set the Options
Measure bottom point
The Measure bottom point option will rotate the arch so that the truncated area can be
measured by placing a probe at the bottom point i.e. by the location of the mast (spherical
configuration). This option is more time-consuming because it requires two mechanical scans.
Enable SatEnv log
The Enable SatEnv log will generate a log file to be sent to your SATIMO technical contact
person in case of an issue. Do not enable this option in normal mode because it slows down the
acquisition process a lot.
Compute far field
The Compute far field option allows for automatically apply the System Calibration and to
compute the Far Field in SatEnv. In case this option is not selected only raw data will be
exported to SatEnv. Use the ProbeCorrector command to apply the System Calibration in
SatEnv.
VNA
Choose your VNA model in the available list.
Oversampling
Keep the spatial resolution in Phi (probe array) accordingly to the table in Part A Chapter 4.1.3
in the number of Oversampling box.
Antenna radius
Leave the default value as 30cm in the Antenna radius box.
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Step 4: Set the Gain calibration
Use this measurement as a calibration
Select the Use this measurement as a calibration and choose the wanted calibration method,
Gain (maximum gain) or Efficiency.
Reference file
Go and search for the Reference file corresponding to the antenna used for the gain calibration.
See format of the .ref files in Part B Chapter 1.5.1
Append to previous calibration
Select this option to fill the gain.cal file with the new calibration data only over the
corresponding frequency band. It avoids deleting existing data outside of this frequency range.
Step 5: Start the measurement
Start the measurement by clicking on the play button.
SatEnv cannot be used during the measurement.
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1.6.2
DUT measurement procedure
The DUT measurement procedure is exactly the same as the gain calibration procedure except in
Step 4.
Do not select the Use this measurement as a calibration option.
See Part B Chapter 1.9 for the post-processing of the measurement.
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1.7 Introduction to SatEnv NT as post-processing software

1.7.1
Introduction
As seen in previous chapters the acquisition of the measurements is done either by SPM for the
spherical configuration or by Cylindric StarLab for the cylindrical configuration.
After the acquisition all data is exported to a SatEnv project. They are stored in a node which
corresponds to the raw data of the near field and the probe correction is already applied.
SatEnv NT is a proprietary acquisition software package. All StarLab functions can be executed
and controlled through SatEnv using the point-and-click menus or the built in command shell.
This chapter deals with the most common commands used in SatEnv NT. For more
information, please refer to the SatEnv NT User Guide.
1.7.2
1.7.2.1
SatEnv NT
Start SatEnv NT
To start SatEnv NT, click on the SatEnv NT icon on the PC desk. The Figure 142 shows the
SatEnv icon.
Satenv
Figure 142: SatEnv NT Start Icon
The SatEnv start icon launches SatEnv NT and allows for selecting your configuration.
Select your measurement configuration (passive measurement), as shown on the Figure 143.
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Figure 143: SatEnv NT entry windows

After the selection of your configuration, SatEnv NT Hierarchy window appears, as shown on
the Figure 144.
SatEnv hierarchy
with nodes
(setup, macro,
project )
Configuration
informations
Command line
Figure 144: SatEnv NT hierarchy window
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1.7.2.2
Create or open a project
To create a new project or open an existing project, in the SatEnv hierarchy window right click
on the node SatEnv (node 0) and choose Project and Create or Open, as shown in the
figure below.
Figure 145: SatEnv NT window, SatEnv SatEnv node, Create a project

The project set-up window is opening to attach information with your project.
Figure 146: Project set-up windows
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1.7.2.3
Save a project
Saving the project is recommended before any measurement.

To save the project, in the SatEnv hierarchy window right click on the node Project Name and
choose Save as, as shown in the figure below.
The project file is a *.pro file.
Figure 147: SatEnv NT window, Project name node, Save as, save a project
Figure 148: Save project window
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1.8 Post-processing
The measured data post-processing is made possible by the SatEnvNT software.
It allows for making the post processing of the acquired data, and especially:
calculating the far field radiated pattern of the DUT;
visualizing the pattern in 3D, 2D or 1D;
calculating the DUT gain;
calculating the DUT efficiency;
calculating the DUT directivity;
using predefined macros to visualize standard cuts;
exporting data to other data processing software.
This section describes the input data needed to do the post-processing and the corresponding
procedures.
The example described in this section is the pattern measurement of a sleeve dipole 5200MHz.
The measurement name is SD5200.
For more information about the post-processing, refer to SatEnv User Guide and to the
SatSph/Satmap User Guide
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1.8.1
Input data for the post-processing
To do the acquired data post-processing, the following data is needed:

the gain.cal file generated from the gain calibration (see Part B 1.5.1);
the exported node from SPM or Cylindric StarLab.
After the acquisition all data is exported to a SatEnv project. They are stored in a node which
corresponds to the near field and the probe correction is already applied as shown in the
following figure.
For our example it is called SD5200.
Figure 149: Measured data node under the SatEnv hierarchy
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1.8.2
Near field to far field transform
This section describes how to transform near field measurements to far field measurements for
StarLab.
For more information, refer to the SatEnv User Guide.
1.8.2.1
Spherical mode
From the SatEnv hierarchy window right-click on the measured data node, choose
Computation and Create far field / Spherical. The NF to FF transform window opens as
shown on the Figure 151.
Figure 150: Launching the spherical NF to FF transform from the acquired data node
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Figure 151: Spherical NF to FF transform window
172 / 220

Then enter the NF to FF transformation parameters:
Measurement data:
The near field to far field transformation is performed using a full 3D
measurement data. Two options can be selected to complete the data of the
truncated area i.e. where the mast is:
o Set truncated region to zero which sets all values in the truncated area to
zero;
o Extrapolate truncated region which consists in a modal extrapolation of the
field radiated by taking into account the nearest probes of the truncated area.
Modal filtering:
Different filtering can be applied on the near field to far field transformation by setting one of
these parameters:
o Power percentage defines the percentage of the measured power that will
be used for the transformation.
o DUT radius defines the minimum radius of the sphere placed at the centre
of the arch and surrounding the DUT. The software calculates the number of
modes required (N and M parameters).
o Filter type performs a filtering of the pattern by choosing the spherical
modes to use.
o No filtering: All modes are used for the transformation.
Generally it is advised to choose Power percentage with 99.8% filtering for semidirective antennas such as horns and with 99.5% filtering for omni-directional antennas such as
dipoles
Field output
This field sets the number of output points of the near field to far field
transformation.
Then press OK
For more information, refer to the SatSph/SatMap User Guide

A new data node has been created under SatEnv hierarchy, which is called NT to FF transform
and which contains all FF information of the DUT.
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1.8.2.2
Cylindrical mode (option)
From the SatEnv hierarchy window right-click on measured data node, choose Computation
and Create far field / Cylindrical. The NF to FF transform window opens as shown in Figure
151.
Figure 152: cylindrical NF to FF transform window

Then enter the NF to FF transformation parameters:
The near field to far field transformation is performed using full 3D measurement data. Two
options can be selected to complete the data of the truncated area i.e. where the mast is in
spherical mode:
Set truncated region to zero which sets all values in the truncated area to zero;
Extrapolate truncated region which consists in an extrapolation of the field radiated by
taking into account the nearest probes of the truncated area.
Measure radius is 45cm in StarLab.
Radius of the AUT is 30cm by default.
OG (origin) is at 0cm by default.
Phi pad and Z pad corresponds to the number of output points after the near field to far field
transformation.
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For example Phi pad = 360 and Z pad= 182 give a 1 deg output resolution.
Then press OK
A new data node has been created under SatEnv hierarchy, which is called NT to FF transform
and which contains all FF DUT information.
Figure 153 : SatEnv hierarchy after the NF to FF transformation
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1.8.3
Pattern visualizations
This section describes how to visualize the DUT far field pattern, in 3D, 2D or 1D.
For example, the following procedure describes how to visualize a SD900 far field pattern at
900MHz:
Etotal in 3D;
Etotal in 2D;
Etotal in 1D, cut at Phi=0.
For more information, refer to the SatEnv User Guide

From the SatEnv hierarchy window right click on NF to FF transform node and choose
Reduce number of dimensions in order to reduce the data at the chosen frequency,. The Select
axis to lock window appears, as shown on the Figure 154.
Figure 154: Reduce the FF pattern at the wanted frequency

Then select the axis to lock (for example the frequency) and its value (900 MHz).
Press OK.
A new data node has been created under the SatEnv hierarchy. It corresponds to the data
reduced at the selected axis value. The Figure 155 shows the new node.
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Figure 155 : FF pattern data reduced at the wanted frequency

To visualize the 3D pattern, right click on the reduced data node then choose 3D OpenGL
viewer. The layers configuration window appears and choose the parameters you want to
visualize (for example Etotal) and click on Start, as shown on the Figure 156.
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Figure 156 : Select the 3D visualization

The 3D pattern appears.
To visualize the 2D pattern right click on the reduced data node and choose 2D view, as shown
on the Figure 157.
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Figure 157: Select the 2D visualization

To visualize the 1D pattern right click on the reduced data node, choose Reduce number of
dimensions, the Select axis to lock window appears, choose the axis you want to lock (for
example the Phi axis) and its value (for example 0) and press OK, as shown on the Figure 158.
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Figure 158: Lock the Phi axis

A new reduced data node appears, corresponding to the locked parameter. Click right on this
node and choose 1D view, as shown on the Figure 159.
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Figure 159 : Select the 1D visualization

After these manipulations the plot data nodes have been created under the SatEnv hierarchy, as
181 / 220
Figure 160: The plot data nodes under the SatEnv hierarchy
The Figure 161 shows the 3D, 2D, and 1D patterns corresponding to our example.
Figure 161: Visualization of the 3D, 2D and 1D far field patterns
182 / 220
1.8.4
Maximum gain
This section describes how to visualize the DUT maximum gain. The maximum gain is the
maximum data along the Phi and Theta axis.
For example, the following procedure describes how to visualize the maximum gain of a SD900.
From the SatEnv hierarchy window: right click on the NF to FF transform node, choose Create
layers and Maximum layers. The Select axis to lock window appears, select the axis you want
to lock (for example the Phi axis), as shown on the Figure 162. Press OK.
Figure 162: Create a maximum layer from the NF to FF transform data node
A new node NF to FF transform Maximum appears under the SatEnv hierarchy, as shown on
the Figure 163. It corresponds to the maximum data along the locked axis.
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Figure 163: NF to FF transform Maximum node

Right click on the created node then choose Create layers and Maximum layers. The Select
axis to lock window appears, select the axis you want to lock (for example the Theta axis), as
shown on the Figure 164. Press OK.
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Figure 164: Create a maximum layer from the NF to FF transform Maximum node
The new node NF to FF transform Maximum Maximum appears under the SatEnv hierarchy,
as shown on the Figure 163. It corresponds to the maximum data along the new locked axis.
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Figure 165: NF to FF transform Maximum Maximum node

Right click on this new node, choose 1D view , as shown on the Figure 166.
Figure 166: Visualization of the 1D view of the DUT gain

This will visualize the gain curve versus frequency, as shown on the Figure 167.
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Figure 167: Plot of the gain data of a SD900
To compute the boresight gain, reduce the FF node to Theta=0 (if no tilt), then right
click on the created node and reduce it to Phi=0 (for example).
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1.8.5
Efficiency
This section describes how to visualize the DUT efficiency.

For example, the following procedure describes how to visualize the efficiency versus frequency
of a SD900.
From the SatEnv hierarchy window right click on the NF to FF transform node then choose
Computation and Efficiency, as shown on the Figure 168. A new node is created under the
SatEnv hierarchy NF to FF transform efficiency, as shown on the Figure 169. It corresponds
to the DUT efficiency data.
Figure 168: Computation of the efficiency from the FF data
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Figure 169: Efficiency node

Right click on the efficiency node and choose 1D view to visualize the efficiency curve versus
frequency, as shown on the Figure 170 and the Figure 171.
Figure 170: Create the efficiency plot
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Figure 171: Plot of the efficiency curve
190 / 220

1.8.6
Directivity
This section describes how to visualize the DUT directivity.

For example, the following procedure describes how to visualize the directivity of a SD900.
From the SatEnv hierarchy window right click on the NF to FF transform node then choose
Create layers and Create directivity layer. The Layers configuration window appears, select
the parameter for which you want to compute the directivity (for example E total), as shown on
the Figure 172. Press Start.
Figure 172: Computation of the directivity from the FF data

The created node Directivity on NF to FF transform appears under the SatEnv hierarchy, as
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Figure 173: Directivity node

Right click on this new node then choose Create layers and Maximum layers. The Select
axis to lock window appears, select the axis you want to lock (for example the Phi axis), as
shown on the Figure 174. Press OK.
Figure 174: Create a maximum layer from the Directivity node
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The new node Directivity on NF to FF transform Maximum appears under the SatEnv
hierarchy, as shown on the Figure 175. It corresponds to the maximum data along the new
locked axis.
Figure 175: Maximum Directivity node

Click right on this new node then choose Create layers and Maximum layers. The Select axis
to lock window appears, select the axis you want to lock (for example the Theta axis), as shown
on the Figure 176. Press OK.
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Figure 176: Create a maximum layer from the Maximum Directivity node
The created node Directivity on NF to FF transform Maximum Maximum appears under the
SatEnv hierarchy, as shown on the Figure 177. It corresponds to the maximum data along the
new locked axis.
Figure 177: Maximum Maximum Directivity node
194 / 220

Click right on this new node then choose 1D view, as shown on the Figure 171.
Figure 178: Create the directivity plot

Then the directivity curve versus frequency is visualized, as shown on the Figure 179.
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Figure 179: Visualization of the directivity plot

Choose the D(E) layer and not the Total Directivity one.
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1.8.7
Holography and back propagation (option)
Holography and back propagation computations are possible from a FF node.
Please refer to the SatSph/SatMap User Guide for the spherical configuration.
This option is also available with the BTS option. Refer to your SATIMO technical contact
person for further details.
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1.8.8
Macros
Several operations can be executed consecutively by using macros in Satenv

For more information about how to create macros, refer to the SatEnv User Guide
This section describes the procedure to follow to use a macro.
This example concerns the Standard Cuts macro applied on a SD900 measurement.
This macro creates the standard plots of pattern cuts from FF pattern data (cuts at Theta=90,
Phi=0, Phi=90), the gain curve versus frequency and the efficiency curve versus frequency.
From the SatEnv hierarchy window right click on the NF to FF transform node, choose
Execute and the macro name StandardCuts, as shown on the Figure 180. The SatEnv
software executes the macro and the plots are created, as shown on the Figure 181.
Figure 180: Execute the Standard Cuts macro on a NF to FF transform node
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Figure 181: Visualization of the Standard Cuts pattern, gain and efficiency curves created
by the Standard Cuts Macro
Refer to your SATIMO technical contact person for creating a specific macro.
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1.8.9
Exporting data from SatEnv
This section describes the procedure to export data from the SatEnv software to another data
handling software like MS Excel.
For example, the following procedure describes how to export FF pattern data of a SD900 at
900MHz.
From the SatEnv hierarchy window right click on the data node you want to export (for example
the FF pattern reduced at 900MHz), choose Export. The Export data window appears, as
Figure 182: Export form a data node

Then select the layers that you want to export.
Select Export to clipboard if you want to paste the data directly into the other software,
If you want to export the data in an output file then select an export format (TRXV1, TRXV2,
TRXV5 or TEXT) and choose a path to indicate where to export.
Press Start.
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201 / 220
Part B. 1 _ Active mode
2 Active mode (option)

For active measurements with protocols the test is performed through a Radio Communication
Tester.
See Part A Chapter 2.2 for set-up the StarLab in active mode.
Please refer to the SAM User Guide for performing an active measurement.
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Part B. 1 _ Multi-measurement mode
3 Multi-measurement mode (option)

A measurement can be setup manually by using the SMM software. It enables CW measurements
by interfacing the StarLab with a spectrum analyser for example.
Please refer to the SMM User Guide for further details.
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206 / 220
Table of figures
Table of figures
Figure 1: Direct measurement techniques .............................................................................................. 14
Figure 2: From near field to far field ....................................................................................................... 15
Figure 3: Indirect measurement techniques............................................................................................ 16
Figure 4: Examples of radiation patterns measured within a spherical geometry ............................ 17
Figure 5: Sampling criterion in planar near field geometry .................................................................. 18
Figure 6: Sampling criterion in cylindrical near field geometry ........................................................... 18
Figure 7: Sampling criterion in spherical near field geometry (SG64) ................................................ 19
Figure 8 : Duality between frequency and time domains; space and angular domains .................... 21
Figure 9: StarLab in spherical measurement configuration .................................................................. 23
Figure 10: StarLab in cylindrical measurement configuration ............................................................. 24
Figure 11: StarLab in active configuration .............................................................................................. 25
Figure 12 : Spherical coordinate system .................................................................................................. 27
Figure 13: StarLab BTS coordinate system ............................................................................................ 28
Figure 14: View of 0.8-6 GHz StarLab system with its dedicated equipments ................................. 29
Figure 15: View of the 0.8-18 GHz StarLab system ............................................................................. 29
Figure 16: General block diagram of StarLab ........................................................................................ 30
Figure 17: Architecture for passive measurements ............................................................................... 31
Figure 18: Block diagram for passive measurements in spherical configuration .............................. 31
Figure 19: Block diagram for passive measurements in cylindrical configuration (option) ............ 32
Figure 20: Architecture for active measurements .................................................................................. 32
Figure 21: Block diagram for active measurements .............................................................................. 33
Figure 22: Overview of the 0.8-6 GHz StarLab arch............................................................................ 35
Figure 23: Overview of the 0.8-18 GHz StarLab arch.......................................................................... 35
Figure 24: View of the mechanical structure of the arch...................................................................... 36
Figure 25:Elevation electronically scanned via the probe array ........................................................... 37
Figure 26: The StarLab probe arrays ....................................................................................................... 38
Figure 27: Configuration of StarLab probe arrays ................................................................................. 38
Figure 28: Schematic RF for the 0.8-6GHz probe array ...................................................................... 39
Figure 29: Schematic RF for the 6-18GHz probe array ....................................................................... 40
Figure 30 : Azimuth scanned mechanically via the azimuth motor .................................................... 41
Figure 31: View of the rigid mast ............................................................................................................. 42
Figure 32: Examples of DUT mounted on the mast via an interface ................................................ 42
Figure 33: Views of the electrical box (or Control Unit) ...................................................................... 44
Figure 34: Drawing of the electrical box (front view) ........................................................................... 45
Figure 35: RF architecture of the 0.8-6 GHz electrical box ................................................................. 45
Figure 36: RF architecture of the 0.8-18 GHz electrical box............................................................... 46
Figure 37: Drawing of the electrical box ................................................................................................. 47
Figure 38: Pictures of the instrumentation rack with the subsystems ................................................ 48
Figure 39: Pictures of the two instrumentation rack configurations .................................................. 49
Figure 40: Picture of a supported VNA .................................................................................................. 50
Figure 41: Pictures of the Active Switching Unit (front and back views) .......................................... 51
Figure 42: Schematic of the Active Switching Unit............................................................................... 52
Figure 43: Drawings of the Active Switching Unit (front and back views) ....................................... 53
Figure 44: Pictures of the Amplification Unit (front and back views) ............................................... 55
Figure 45: Schematic of the Amplification Unit for the 0.8-6 GHz version ..................................... 56
Figure 46: Schematic of the Amplification Unit for the 6-18 GHz version ...................................... 57
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Table of figures
Figure 47: Drawings of the Amplification Unit (front and back views) ............................................ 58
Figure 48: Picture of a Radio-Communication Tester .......................................................................... 59
Figure 49: Picture of an example of supported WiFi Tester................................................................ 60
Figure 50: Picture of the WDRA ............................................................................................................. 61
Figure 51: RF architecture of the WDRA............................................................................................... 61
Figure 52: Drawing of the WDRA (front view) .................................................................................... 62
Figure 53: Picture of the industrial PC .................................................................................................... 63
Figure 54: Picture of the industrial PC .................................................................................................... 65
Figure 54: Collect Key Status Information ............................................................................................. 66
Figure 54: Apply Licence Update............................................................................................................. 67
Figure 55: Picture of a UPS ...................................................................................................................... 68
Figure 56: StarLab BTS overview ............................................................................................................ 69
Figure 57: Extension .................................................................................................................................. 70
Figure 58: Extension in place ................................................................................................................... 71
Figure 59: Tighten the extension.............................................................................................................. 71
Figure 60: Mount the central bar ............................................................................................................. 72
Figure 61: Lock it in 0 position ............................................................................................................ 72
Figure 62: Mount the adjustable feet on the extra bar .......................................................................... 73
Figure 63: Align and fix the assembly on the central bar ..................................................................... 73
Figure 64: Then pass the belt through the bar ....................................................................................... 74
Figure 65: Pass the belt in the pulley and below the trolleys ............................................................... 74
Figure 66: Fix the belt to the central trolley ........................................................................................... 74
Figure 67 : Winding system ....................................................................................................................... 75
Figure 68: Picture of the electrical box in the cylindrical measurement mode.................................. 76
Figure 69: RF connection between the electrical box and the rotary joint ........................................ 77
Figure 70: Electrical connection between the electrical box and the mechanical limits switches .. 78
Figure 71: Motor axis connections between the conveyor motor and the electrical box ................ 78
Figure 72: BTS StarLab Measurement Setup window and Height motor control window ............ 79
Figure 73: Picture of the driven carrier located at the zero position .................................................. 80
Figure 74: Set-up of a BTS antenna on the conveyor ........................................................................... 81
Figure 75: Connecting the BTS antenna RF cable on the rotary joint RF connection .................... 81
Figure 76: Picture of the SH800 ............................................................................................................... 83
Figure 77: Mounting parts to set up the SH800 .................................................................................... 84
Figure 78: SH800 mounting on the mast ................................................................................................ 85
Figure 79: Picture of the SH2000............................................................................................................. 86
Figure 80 : Mounting parts to set up the SH2000 ................................................................................. 87
Figure 81: Mounting the SH2000 on the mast....................................................................................... 88
Figure 82: Picture of the SH4000............................................................................................................. 89
Figure 83: SH4000 placed at the centre of the arch .............................................................................. 89
Figure 84: Picture of a set of dipoles ....................................................................................................... 90
Figure 85 : Mounting parts to set up the dipoles operating between 800MHz and 1000MHz ...... 91
Figure 86: Mounting the dipole operating between 800MHz-1000MHz on the mast .................... 92
Figure 87: Mounting parts to set up the dipoles operating between 1800MHz and 3000MHz ..... 93
Figure 88: Mounting the dipole operating between 1800MHz and 3000MHz on the mast ........... 94
Figure 89: Mounting parts to set up the dipoles operating between 5150MHz and 5650MHz ..... 95
Figure 90: Mounting the dipole operating between 5150MHz-5650MHz on the mast .................. 96
Figure 91: Picture of the reference BTS antenna BS892 in a SG64 ................................................... 97
Figure 92: Picture of the reference BTS antenna BS1940 .................................................................... 98
Figure 93: Mounting a BTS antenna on the BTS conveyor ................................................................. 99
Figure 94: laptop under test on the half sphere ...................................................................................100
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Table of figures
Figure 95: Polystyrene sphere made of two parts ................................................................................100
Figure 96: PVC interface for the system calibration ...........................................................................101
Figure 97: SATIMO phantom head ......................................................................................................102
Figure 98: SATIMO liquid ......................................................................................................................103
Figure 99: Example of a right phantom hand ......................................................................................104
Figure 100: Mast antenna ........................................................................................................................105
Figure 101: Typical reflection coefficient of the mast antenna .........................................................105
Figure 102: Interface for active measurements ....................................................................................106
Figure 103: Set-up of the protocole mode............................................................................................107
Figure 104: Interface for active measurements ....................................................................................108
Figure 105: LCD Betabrite ......................................................................................................................109
Figure 106: CE sticker .............................................................................................................................113
Figure 107: Mechanical specifications ...................................................................................................122
Figure 108: Maximum diameter of the DUT according to the number of oversampling .............124
Figure 109: Measurement specifications ...............................................................................................125
Figure 110: OTA specifications..............................................................................................................126
Figure 111: software used in passive mode ..........................................................................................129
Figure 112: Passive hardware configuration - step 1 ...........................................................................131
Figure 120: Calibration parameters ........................................................................................................139
Figure 121: System calibration step 2 .................................................................................................140
Figure 125: Successful system calibration in passive mode ................................................................142
Figure 126: Unsuccessful system calibration in passive mode...........................................................143
Figure 127: Successful system calibration in active mode ..................................................................143
Figure 128: Unsuccessful system calibration in active mode .............................................................144
Figure 129: Calibration information ......................................................................................................145
Figure 130: Amplitude of co-polar, cross-polar and total field in polar axes ..................................147
Figure 131: Amplitude and phase of co-polar and cross-polar in cartesian axes ............................148
Figure 132: Amplitude and phase of co-polar and cross-polar .........................................................148
Figure 133: Format of the gain.cal file ................................................................................................150
Figure 134: Configure the measurement ...............................................................................................151
Figure 135: compute the gain.cal file ...................................................................................................152
Figure 136 : Format of the reference files ............................................................................................153
Figure 137: Configure the measurement ...............................................................................................154
Figure 138: BTS StarLab Measurement Setup window ......................................................................158
Figure 139: Drawing of geometrical parameters that allow calculating the scan length ................159
Figure 140: SatEnv NT Start Icon .........................................................................................................165
Figure 141: SatEnv NT entry windows .................................................................................................166
Figure 142: SatEnv NT hierarchy window ...........................................................................................166
Figure 143: SatEnv NT window, SatEnv SatEnv node, Create a project....................................167
Figure 144: Project set-up windows ......................................................................................................167
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Table of figures
Figure 145: SatEnv NT window, Project name node, Save as, save a project ........................168
Figure 146: Save project window ...........................................................................................................168
Figure 147: Measured data node under the SatEnv hierarchy ...........................................................170
Figure 148: Launching the spherical NF to FF transform from the acquired data node ..............171
Figure 149: Spherical NF to FF transform window ............................................................................172
Figure 150: cylindrical NF to FF transform window ..........................................................................174
Figure 151 : SatEnv hierarchy after the NF to FF transformation ...................................................175
Figure 152: Reduce the FF pattern at the wanted frequency .............................................................176
Figure 153 : FF pattern data reduced at the wanted frequency .........................................................177
Figure 154 : Select the 3D visualization ................................................................................................178
Figure 155: Select the 2D visualization .................................................................................................179
Figure 156: Lock the Phi axis .................................................................................................................180
Figure 157 : Select the 1D visualization ................................................................................................181
Figure 158: The plot data nodes under the SatEnv hierarchy ...........................................................182
Figure 159: Visualization of the 3D, 2D and 1D far field patterns ..................................................182
Figure 160: Create a maximum layer from the NF to FF transform data node .............................183
Figure 161: NF to FF transform Maximum node ...............................................................................184
Figure 162: Create a maximum layer from the NF to FF transform Maximum node ...................185
Figure 163: NF to FF transform Maximum Maximum node ............................................................186
Figure 164: Visualization of the 1D view of the DUT gain ...............................................................186
Figure 165: Plot of the gain data of a SD900 .......................................................................................187
Figure 166: Computation of the efficiency from the FF data............................................................188
Figure 167: Efficiency node ....................................................................................................................189
Figure 168: Create the efficiency plot ....................................................................................................189
Figure 169: Plot of the efficiency curve ................................................................................................190
Figure 170: Computation of the directivity from the FF data ...........................................................191
Figure 171: Directivity node ...................................................................................................................192
Figure 172: Create a maximum layer from the Directivity node .......................................................192
Figure 173: Maximum Directivity node ................................................................................................193
Figure 174: Create a maximum layer from the Maximum Directivity node ....................................194
Figure 175: Maximum Maximum Directivity node .............................................................................194
Figure 176: Create the directivity plot ...................................................................................................195
Figure 177: Visualization of the directivity plot ...................................................................................196
Figure 178: Execute the Standard Cuts macro on a NF to FF transform node .........................198
Figure 179: Visualization of the Standard Cuts pattern, gain and efficiency curves created by the
Standard Cuts Macro ...............................................................................................................................199
Figure 180: Export form a data node ....................................................................................................200
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Appendixes
211 / 220
1. EC Certificate of compliance
EC Certificate of compliance
This is to certify that:

Equipment: Starlab
Complies with the provisions of the Directive of the Council of the European Union on the
approximation of the laws of the Members States relating to electrical equipment for use within
defined voltage limits (73/23/EEC revised by 93/68/EEC).
Conformity is proven by compliance with the following standards: EN61010-1: 2001
Affixing the EC conformity mark as from 2004.
Courtaboeuf, 2006/06/14
212 / 220
2. Mast mechanical drawing

The following drawing can be used to design specific interfaces to fit better with your antennas.
213 / 220
214 / 220
215 / 220
3. Transition panel
The following drawing corresponds to the SATIMO standard panel, which can be used when the
StarLab is installed in a shielding room.
SATIMO can provide it.
216 / 220
217 / 220
218 / 220
4. SATIMO offices
SATIMOs Main Office
17, avenue de Norvge
91953 Courtaboeuf, FRANCE
Tel: +33 (0)1 69 29 02 47
Fax : +33 (0)1 69 29 02 27
SATIMO Bretagne
Technopole Brest Iroise,
Z.I. du Vernis
225, rue Pierre Rivoalon
29200 Brest, FRANCE
Tel: +33 (0)2 98 05 13 34
Fax: +33 (0)2 98 05 53 87
SATIMO Hong-Kong
Suite 702, 7th floor Cyberport 1
100 Cyberport Road
Pok Fu Lam, HONG KONG
Tel: +852 2989 6128
Fax: +852 2989 6108
SATIMO Italy
Via dei Castelli Romani, 59
00040 Pomezia (Rome), ITALY
Tel: +39 06 89 99 53 11
Fax: +39 06 89 99 53 24
SATIMO Japan
6-20-11 Shinbashi-IK Bldg. 1F
Shinbashi, Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0004, JAPAN
Tel: +81 3 6426 0432
Fax: +81 3 3435 3233
SATIMO Sweden
Sofierogatan 3A
412 51 Gothenburg, SWEDEN
Tel: + 46 31 402430
Fax: + 46 31 402430
SATIMO USA
2105 Barrett Park Dr., Suite 104
Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
Tel: +1 678 797 9172
Fax: +1 678 797 9173
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Technical support
Europe
Name :
e-mail:
Phone:
Mobile :
Alessandro Scannavini
hotline@satimo.fr
+39 06 89 99 53 13
+39 346 3603539
North America
e-mail:
techsupport@satimo.com
Phone:
+1 678 797 9172
Asia
Name :
e-mail:
Mobile:
Franois Chauvet
support.asia@satimo.com.hk
+ 852 922 03 865
Should you have any technical questions concerning your SATIMO StarLab, please contact us.
You can reach the hotline Monday through Friday from 9:00 until 17:00 - local time. If you need
assistance outside office hours, please send us an e-mail. We will contact you as soon as possible.
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