Equipment

Tags: [|Absorbing panels], [|Agilent E4402B spectrum analyzer], [|Agilent U2001A power sensor], [|Antenna Controller], [|Antenna under test (AUT)], [|Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller], [|Corner Reflector], [|Free-space VSWR test], [|Lab computer], [|L-Com HG2415EG], [|Mini-Circuits Generator], [|Mini-Circuits SSG-4000HP signal generator], [|Monopole antenna], [|Motor power supply], [|Patch antenna], [|Pedestal], [|Power Panel 3.7], [|Radiation absorbent material], [|Roomba movement program], [|Roomba robot], [|Stepper drive], [|Stepper motor], [|Transmit antenna], [|Turntable], [|Wooden track]

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=EQUIPMENT=

This page provides information on all equipment associated with the Marquette University Antenna Range. After viewing this page, you will be well-informed on the specifications and operating procedures for each piece of equipment available for use.


 * ==== Contents ====
 * Antennas
 * L-Com HG2415EG
 * Corner Reflector
 * Patch
 * Monopole
 * Mini-Circuits SSG-4000HP Signal Generator
 * Agilent U2001A Power Sensor
 * Roomba Robot
 * Arduino Uno R3 Microcontroller
 * Pedestal
 * Turntable
 * Stepper Motor
 * Stepper Drive
 * Motor Power Supply
 * Radiation Absorbent Material
 * Green Absorbing Material
 * Blue Absorbing Material
 * Black Absorbing Material
 * Absorbing Panels
 * Lab Computer
 * Agilent E4402B Spectrum Analyzer
 * Miscellaneous ||

Antennas

 * There are a variety of different antennas at the antenna range that can be tested for educational purposes. Below is the list of antennas available at the range, which does not include those brought in temporarily to perform tests. A list of the antennas which have recorded tests can be found on the Collected Data page.


 * **L-Com HG2415EG**
 * [[image:Transmitter.png width="201" height="201" align="right" caption="L-Com HG2415EG antenna."]]There are two of this model of antenna at the antenna range. These antennas were the first two antennas implemented by the 2012-2013 E55 senior design team. One was installed as the transmit antenna, which is still used today. The other was used as the receive antenna at the time. When used as a receive antenna, it is commonly referred to as a "dish reflector".
 * The basic specifications are as follows:
 * It has an operating frequency of 2400-2500 MHz with a gain of 15 dBi.
 * It has a narrow beamwidth and bandwidth with a high gain.
 * It a directional antenna with a beamwidth of 16 degrees horizontal and 21 degrees vertical which is ideal for use in the Marquette University Antenna Range.
 * Below are the RF antenna gain patterns for this model.


 * The detailed test results performed by the 2012-2013 E55 senior design team can be found on the Collected Data page.


 * ** Corner Reflector **[[image:Corner reflector new.JPG width="205" height="184" align="right" caption="Corner reflector antenna."]]
 * This is one of the primary receive antennas available for use at the antenna range. The corner reflector was originally designed by Marquette students Andrew Roberts and Joseph Vonderhaar for the ELEN 4130 / EECE 5130 Antenna Theory and Design couse that was offered during the spring 2015 semester. The information and specifications below were provided on their project poster.
 * The corner reflector consists of two parts: a base radiator and the reflector.
 * The reflector consists of two plates joined at 90 degrees which maximizes the increase in the directivity and gain of the antenna.
 * The base antenna is located one half-wavelength from the vertex of the reflector plates.
 * The basic specifications are as follows:
 * Monopole length = 3.125 cm
 * Center frequency = 2.4 GHz
 * Monopole spacing = 6.5 cm
 * Reflector height = 12.5 cm
 * Reflector length = 12.5 cm
 * The detailed test results can be found on the Collected Data page.
 * Below is the standard corner reflector antenna horizontal-plane pattern.




 * ** Patch **
 * [[image:Patch.JPG width="160" height="139" align="right" caption="Patch antenna."]]The patch antenna, more specifically the inset feed microstrip antenna, was designed by Marquette students Jonathan Kuta and Alec Paget for the ELEN 4130 / EECE 5130 Antenna Theory and Design course that was offered during the spring 2015 semester. The information and specifications below were provided on their project poster.
 * It was built on an 0.062-inch RF board from Rogers Corporation (RT/5870), which provided the dielectric and ground plane.
 * It was constructed using 1-inch copper tape and connected used small solder joints. An SMA connector is used at the end of the strip.
 * The basic specifications are as follows:
 * Dielectric constant εr = 2.33 ± 0.02
 * Center frequency = 2.37 GHz


 * ** Monopole **
 * [[image:Dipole.JPG width="168" height="134" align="right" caption="Monopole antenna."]]The monopole antenna was designed by Dr. Richie in order to serve as a probe for the free-space VSWR test. Due to its small size, it was mounted on top of the Roomba robot to effectively collect power received data from the transmit antenna at different locations throughout the range. At this time, it currently has no listed specifications and no antenna characteristics tests have been performed on it yet. A comment regarding testing the monopole antenna can be found on the Future Work page.

Mini-Circuits SSG-4000HP Signal Generator

 * [[image:Signal_Generator.jpg align="right" caption="Mini-Circuits model SSG-4000HP signal generator."]]The signal generator model used in the lab is the Minicircuits SSG-4000HP, pictured right. It was installed by the 2015-2016 E55 senior design team and this model was recommended by Dr. Richie.
 * The basic operating procedures are as follows:
 * The signal generator is always plugged into the lab computer, so the only step involved with setting it up physically is to flip the switch labelled "POWER" located on the front panel.
 * Open the Mini-Circuits Generator program on the lab computer and follow the steps outlined under that link.
 * **Note:** The signal generator takes a few minutes to warm up before it is ready for use, and this will be indicated by a "Warming Up!" message on the Mini-Circuits Generator program.
 * The basic specifications are as follows:
 * Unless otherwise specified, the recommended parameters for performing antenna characteristics tests are a frequency of 2.4 GHz, and an output power level of +13 dBm
 * Frequency bandwidth: 250 MHz to 4 GHz
 * Power output range: -50 dBm to +20 dBm
 * USB compatible, operated by Mini-Circuits Generator program
 * The detailed benchmarking results performed by the 2015-2016 E55 senior design team can be found on the Collected Data page.
 * The testing procedure using Mini-Circuits Generator program for the signal generator can be found on the Software page.

Agilent U2001A Power Sensor

 * [[image:power sensor.jpg align="right" caption="Agilent model U2001A power sensor."]]The power sensor was installed by the 2013-2014 E55 senior design team to satisfy the future work specified by the 2012-2013 E55 senior design team - form a way to automatically receive and store data - by connecting the power sensor directly to the lab computer via USB and creating a program to read and record the power received by the antenna under test (AUT).
 * At this time, there is a 2.4 GHz bandpass filter attached to the end of it to only allow transmitted power at a frequency of 2.4 GHz into the power sensor. If tests are to be performed at a different frequency, the bandpass filter should be removed.
 * Measurable frequency band between 10 MHz and 6 GHz
 * Measurable power range between -60 dBm and +20dBm (dynamic range of 80 dB)
 * Can be operated and controlled by the computer using a USB connection, with measurements made by the Power Panel 3.7 program
 * Power accuracy is ±3.0% at room temperatures
 * Measurement speed is 110 readings per second (250 readings per second in a less accurate mode)
 * The power sensor does not need to be calibrated, and did not require any additional configuration when it was first purchased. It was factory tested and guaranteed effective for five years. The filter inside the power sensor is required to handle interference.
 * An external triggering cable is not needed, since triggering is controlled completely by the USB connection.
 * The following programs were recommended and used for controlling the power sensor:
 * Command Expert 1.2
 * Agilent IO Library
 * The detailed benchmarking results performed by the 2013-2014 E55 senior design team can be found on the Collected Data page.
 * The detailed testing procedure using Power Panel 3.7 for the power sensor can be found on the Software page.

Roomba Robot

 * [[image:https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/6PcDeXIwnG2ssU7toMoifRt-nPvjy1BBOZHSxku_KkQwAKb0Pp2vG125ku2R8mqvjnWXMzyuBRqp1G7gEvZ3BPtlQT-jdPfllnqgG9dp0eTiAAn_89DWj-0VpigcCX1Tf3wAYFlDKBA width="210" height="210" align="right" caption="Roomba robot model used in the lab."]]While at this time, the Roomba robot is not considered a permanent piece of equipment for the antenna range, but it is essential to perform the free-space VSWR test in the antenna range. The current model found in the lab is borrowed from Dr. Johnson. A comment regarding purchasing one to be dedicated to the antenna range can be found on the Future Work page.
 * The Roomba is controlled by an Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller and is programmable in C/C++ programming language.
 * The basic operating procedures are as follows:
 * To charge the Roomba, plug in the charging cable pictured below into the port labelled with the symbol, ϟ.
 * **Note:** The Roomba will not charge and will beep intermittently if the beige cord connecting it to the Arduino is still plugged in.
 * To run the pre-programmed free-space VSWR test movement program, ensure that the beige cord connecting the Roomba to the Arduino is plugged in, then turn on the Roomba using the button labelled with the symbol, [[image:Power symbol.png]].
 * The Roomba has a through-hole in the center in which the antenna under test (AUT) can be mounted. This mounting method allows the coaxial cable to be fed through the hole, preventing the cable from interfering with the movement pattern of the Roomba.
 * The Arduino allows for the Roomba to run the movement program without needing to be wired to a computer.
 * The detailed setup instructions are displayed under free-space VSWR test procedure and can be found on the Tests page.

Arduino Uno R3 Microcontroller

 * [[image:Arduino.jpg width="408" height="188" align="right" caption="Arduino Uno R3 Microcontroller with modified connections."]]The Arduino pictured right that is dedicated to the lab is currently only used in the free-space VSWR test in order to drive the Roomba robot. The decision to utilize an Arduino to control the Roomba was based on the EECE 1953 Freshman Seminar course, which involves programming Roombas with Arduinos. The wires, mount, and cables were provided by Dr. Johnson, the faculty member in charge of that course.
 * At this time, in order to perform the free-space VSWR test, the Roomba with built-in mount must be borrowed from Dr. Johnson. Notes about procuring a Roomba can be found on the Future Work page.
 * The Arduino was procured by the 2015-2016 E55 senior design team so it remains pre-programmed with the free-space VSWR test movement program, therefore there is no need to edit or re-program the code onto the Roomba when performing the free-space VSWR test.
 * The detailed setup instructions are displayed under the free-space VSWR test procedure and can be found on the Tests page.

Pedestal

 * [[image:Turntable.PNG width="234" height="272" align="right" caption="Modified pedestal with turntable installed."]]The pedestal is a mechanical setup that was first designed and implemented by the 2013-2014 E55 senior design team. The design was further improved by the 2015-2016 E55 senior design team with the replacement of the wooden pole with a turntable. It consists of four main parts: the turntable, stepper motor, stepper drive, and power supply.
 * The motor itself is housed in a plywood box 12 inches long by 10 inches wide by 8 inches high. Three of the sides of the box were covered in black absorbing material in order to reduce reflections. The fourth side of the box facing away from the transmit antenna has a hole cut in the side, allowing the cables for the motor power, motor control, power sensor, and power sensor coaxial cable to come out. As the turntable rotates, the coaxial cable coils inside the box, eliminating the need for pre-wrapping the cable.
 * The detailed benchmarking results performed by the 2012-2013 E55 senior design team can be found on the Collected Data page.


 * ** Turntable **
 * The idea to use a turntable to perform tests was first considered by the 2012-2013 E55 senior design team when they began work on the antenna range, and again by the 2013-2014 E55 senior design team.
 * There were a series of concerns at first that prompted both teams to decide against installing a turntable on the pedestal:
 * It was difficult to mount the receive antenna at a similar height as the transmit antenna, which is currently 4 feet, 7 inches above the floor.
 * The stability of the pedestal may be compromised after significantly altering the design.
 * The weight of the turntable may be too heavy for the stepper motor.
 * After much consideration by Dr. Richie and the 2015-2016 E55 senior design team, it was decided that the turntable should be installed to improve stability and flexibility when setting up antennas under test (AUTs).
 * The turntable is connected directly to the base of the stepper motor using a white plastic mounting block and will rotate according to the parameters set by the Antenna Controller program.
 * The basic specifications are as follows:
 * Made from ¼-inch plywood
 * About 10 square inches in area
 * Attached to white plastic mounting block using four ½-inch screws with countersink
 * Female-to-female coaxial connector through center of turntable, that extends approximately a ¼-inch from top of turntable
 * Located at the center of rotation when antenna is attached
 * White plastic mounting block specifications: [[image:Mounting block.jpg width="320" height="180" align="right" caption="White plastic mounting block underneath turntable."]]
 * Shaft in center of block, where pole used to be, 2 inches to 3 inches deep
 * Four screw holes drilled in top, attached to turntable
 * Coaxial cable goes from female connector on bottom of turntable, through shaft in block, out hole drilled in side
 * Attached to motor using mounting hub-style section
 * Placed on motor shaft, attached using bolt through-hole on the side of the block
 * Needed a hex wrench to screw in bolt (in toolkit in the lab)
 * Secured tightly, to prevent motor slipping
 * (Dis)connecting turntable to the white plastic mounting block:
 * Remove the four screws from the turntable
 * CAREFUL: The screws are very tight, careful not to strip screw heads
 * Can reinsert pole into shaft in plastic block, if desired
 * When reattaching turntable, make sure that the ‘X’ mark on the plastic block lines up with the same ‘X’ on the underside of the turntable. Otherwise, the screw holes on the block and turntable will probably not line up correctly
 * (Re)moving turntable/motor:
 * If (re)moving the turntable, disconnect the coaxial cable as seen above (underside of turntable) (leaving the small length attached to the turntable)
 * (Dis)connect remaining three cables: power, motor control, power sensor USB cable
 * Careful moving pedestal/housing box, it is heavy so a team lift is recommended


 * ** Stepper Motor [[image:Stepper motor.png width="169" height="169" align="right"]] **
 * For testing purposes, the antennas under test (AUTs) must be rotated 360 degrees. This motor was chosen to perform the rotation and is controlled by the Antenna Controller program on the computer. This device is located under the white plastic mounting block under the turntable.
 * The basic specifications are as follows:
 * 200 steps per revolution (1.8 degrees per step)
 * High holding torque (about 17 pounds per inch)
 * 2.8 amps per phase


 * ** Stepper Drive [[image:Stepper drive.png width="151" height="148" align="right"]] **
 * The basic specifications are as follows:
 * Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controlled current
 * Serial connection
 * Microstep modes (200 to 512,000 steps per revolution)
 * 5.0 amps per phase
 * Control software included


 * ** Motor Power Supply [[image:Power supply.png width="179" height="131" align="right"]] **
 * The basic specifications are as follows:
 * 48 VDC at 5 amps
 * Overcurrent protection

Radiation-Absorbent Material

 * There are a number of pieces of radiation-absorbent material available to use for securing antennas to the turntable or setting up the anechoic chamber for a free-space VSWR test.
 * ** Green absorbing material [[image:Green absorbing material.JPG width="156" height="77" align="right"]] **
 * The 2015-2016 E55 senior design team implemented the use of green foam slabs to assist in adjusting the height of the antenna on the pedestal, allowing the antenna under test (AUT) to be at the same height as the transmit antenna.
 * The slabs are 1-foot squares that are 1-inch thick.
 * There are 13 slabs currently available, with an additional green board that can be cut into more slabs.
 * ** Blue absorbing material [[image:Blue absorbing material.JPG width="181" height="102" align="right"]]**
 * These wedges can be added or taken away as necessary to reduce unwanted signal reflections in the range, or allow for more room in order to accommodate for an AUT setup.
 * Be sure to place these foam wedges along the ground entirely to reduce ground reflections.
 * ** Black absorbing material **
 * This material was the first anechoic material obtained for the antenna range by the 2012-2013 E55 senior design team. It is heavier and sturdier than the other material available at the antenna range.

Absorbing Panels

 * There are two types of absorbing panels that are utilized at the antenna range: [[image:black panels.png width="218" height="191" align="right" caption="Black absorbing panels."]]
 * ** Black absorbing panels **
 * Three panels were constructed by the 2012-2013 E55 senior design team
 * Black radiation-absorbent material was donated by LS Research LLC
 * 8-foot by 4-foot dimensions
 * Supported with 2-inch by 4-inch plywood
 * Each panel weighs about 99 pounds
 * ** Blue absorbing panels **
 * Six panels were constructed by the 2013-2014 E55 senior design team
 * Blue radiation-absorbent material was donated by D.L.S. Electronic Systems
 * 8-foot by 4-foot dimensions
 * Supported with 1-inch by 2-inch plywood[[image:muantennarange/Blue absorbing panels.jpg width="203" height="150" align="right" caption="Blue absorbing panels."]]
 * Each panel weighs about 28 pounds
 * The detailed benchmarking results performed by the 2013-2014 E55 senior design team can be found on the Collected Data page.
 * The 2013-2014 E55 senior design team included instructions on how to build a blue absorbing panel, which is the recommended design to follow when building more absorbing panels due to its lighter weight and similar effectiveness. These instructions are provided below.
 * There are four main steps involved in the construction of the blue absorbing panels:
 * ** Build the frame: **
 * Use four 1-inch by 2-inch by 8-foot wooden boards.
 * Cut three 45-inch pieces using a circular saw and safety equipment.
 * Create a guide hole with clamps.
 * Ensure that the pieces are angled at 90 degrees.
 * On the more narrow side, screw the piece in place.
 * ** Attach panel: **
 * Lay panel on the floor, shiny side up.
 * Apply Liquid Nails to the wooden frame in a straight line, and all at once.
 * Carefully place on the panel, ensuring it is aligned while applying pressure.
 * Let dry for 24 hours.
 * ** Add radiation-absorbent material: **
 * [[image:Liquid Nails Application.PNG align="right" caption="Zigzag pattern to apply Liquid Nails."]]Collect 22 pieces of radiation-absorbent pieces.
 * Cut an approximate ¼-inch hole in the Liquid Nails tube and puncture the aluminum underneath.
 * Leave a 2-inch gap on top and 4-inch gap on bottom of panel
 * Clean the white surface with wet paper, then dry.
 * Apply Liquid Nails in a zigzag pattern, as shown right. You can apply the glue while the radiation-absorbent piece lays on top of another piece to keep the points in good condition.
 * Place on panel and apply pressure, with the formation of two rows of 11 radiation-absorbent pieces.
 * Let dry for 24 hours.
 * ** Cut Leg/Stand **
 * Cut a 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot wooden board in half lengthwise, so the dimensions of the cut are 2-inch by 4-inch by 4-foot.
 * Change circular saw setting to 15 degrees, and cut the ends of the stand in opposite directions.
 * Place panel upright, and put the stand in place.


 * The shopping list for one blue absorbing panel to obtain materials pertaining to the above instructions are as follows: [[image:muantennarange/liquid nails.jpg width="200" height="200" align="right" caption="24-pack of 10 ounce Liquid Nails."]]
 * One 3.5-inch by 4-foot by 8-foot foam insulation board
 * Four 1-inch by 2-inch by 8-foot wooden boards
 * Four 10 ounce Liquid Nails adhesive tubes


 * When using these materials:
 * Use the whole Liquid Nails tube at once.
 * Consider gluing "towers" of large pieces.
 * If there is enough "bad" material, cut and fill a 6th panel.

Lab Computer

 * [[image:Lab computer edited.JPG width="302" height="219" align="right" caption="Lab computer setup with Mini-Circuits SSG-4000HP signal generator."]]To log into the lab computer, refer to the sticky note attached to the computer tower. This note will also have the username and password for the Marquette University Antenna Range Google account and Wikispaces account.
 * From the desktop, the user can access the individual folders of each of the past senior design groups.
 * There is a USB flash drive that has a backup of these files. The flash drive also includes a backup of this Wikispace.
 * From the desktop, the necessary software involved with performing tests can also be accessed.
 * Antenna Controller
 * Power Panel 3.7
 * Mini-Circuits Generator

Agilent E4402B Spectrum Analyzer

 * [[image:Spectrum_analyzer.jpg align="right" caption="Agilent model E4402B spectrum analyzer."]]The Agilent E4402B Spectrum Analyzer was originally used to measure power received when performing tests in the antenna range, until the implementation of the Agilent U2001A Power Sensor by the 2013-2014 E55 senior design team. These tests were performed by hand, recording the power received by the antenna under test (AUT).
 * The spectrum analyzer is a useful tool for measuring antenna characteristics and it is recommended that the antenna be analyzed with this machine prior to testing in the antenna range.
 * It provides a base pattern of which to make a comparison with after obtaining a radiation pattern from the Antenna Controller program.
 * The spectrum analyzer can measure:
 * Power received
 * Impedance
 * Phase
 * Return loss
 * Use of the spectrum analyzer should be reserved for those that have direct permission and advisement from Dr. Richie.

Miscellaneous

 * [[image:Wooden_track.jpg width="160" height="278" align="right" caption="Wooden track."]]Wooden track
 * Used in the free-space VSWR test to give the Roomba robot an area to perform its movement pattern.
 * 8-foot by 4-foot dimensions
 * Connectors and cables
 * Coaxial cable of varying lengths
 * Assorted attenuators
 * SMA connectors
 * Adapters for N-type connectors
 * Basic tool kit
 * Electrical tape
 * USB flash drive backup
 * Located by the lab computer.