Outdoor Automotive Antenna Range

The outdoor antenna range facilities include a Satellite Antenna Range and a Terrestrial Antenna Range that are both managed by the Applied EMAG and Wireless Lab at Oakland University (OU). The Satellite Antenna Range has the ability to measure radiation patterns from 0 - 90 degrees in elevation while the Terrestrial Antenna Range measures antenna gain at the horizon. The Terrestrial Antenna range is primarily used in the frequency range from 20 MHz - 1000 MHz while the Satellite Antenna Range has the capability of testing antennas in the frequency range of 800MHz - 6GHz. The range covers 360 degrees in azimuth, and 90 degrees in elevation with 1 degree accuracy. A single arm gantry holds the transmit antenna. The turn-table has a 6m diameter and a load capacity of 14,000 lbs, making it ideal to test antennas on a large variety of vehicles.

The AEWL outdoor antenna range facility has been used by automotive, military, government and OEMs to test a wide variety of antenna elements and systems. Table I lists the most commonly used antenna types and their frequency ranges.

The antenna range is a certified antenna test facility by SiriusXM!

A security fence is available for future model year vehicle testing!

Figure I. Most common testing bands at AEWL antenna range facility at OU.