REFERENCE

NBS

PUBLICATIONS

NBSIR 86-3051

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Crawford, M^ron ^247624

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r?^s. p ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION TEST

FACILITIES EVALUATION OF

REVERBERATION CHAMBERS LOCATED

AT NSWC, DAHLGREN, VIRGINIA

Myron L. Crawford

Galen H. Koepke

National Bureau of Standards

U.S. Department of Commerce

Boulder, Colorado 80303

June 1986

/ RBS

RESEARCH

INFORMATION CENTER NBSIR 86-3051

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION TEST

FACILITIES EVALUATION OF

REVERBERATION CHAMBERS LOCATED

AT NSWC, DAHLGREN, VIRGINIA

Myron L. Crawford

Galen H. Koepke

Electromagnetic Fields Division

Center for Electronics and Electrical Engineering

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

Boulder, Colorado 80303

June 1986

Sponsored by

Naval Surface Weapons Center

Dahlgren Laboratories

Dahlgren, Virginia 22448

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director

CONTENTS

Page

List of Figures and Tables v

1 . 0 Introduction 1

2.0 Description of the NSWC Reverberation Chamber Facilities

and NBS Evaluation System 2

3.0 Reverberation Chambers Evaluation Results 4 3.1 Antenna Coupling Efficiency and VSWR 4 3.2 Tuner Effectiveness

3.3 Test Zone E-Field Uniformity

3.4 E-Field Amplitude Calibration

4.0 Comparison of NSWC Reverberation Chambers

and NBS Reverberation Chamber 7

5.0 Summary of Measurement Uncertainty 8

5.1 Estimate of Uncertainty in Establishing E-Field Amplitude

Inside the Chambers 8

5.2 General Comments 10

6.0 Summary and Conclusions 11

7.0 Acknowledgments 12

8.0 References 13

iii

CTv

U1

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

Figure 1

.

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

Figure M.

Figure 5.

Figure 6.

Figure 7.

Figure 8.

Figure 9.

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Cross sectional views of NSWC reverberation chamber(s) showing

placement of tuner(s), transmitting and receiving antennas, and

probe used to evaluate E-field amplitude inside the chamber(s).

Photographs of interior of NSWC "half” reverberation chamber

showing transmitting antennas mounted on side wall and tuner

mounted from ceiling.

Photograph showing closeup of NSWC reverberation chamber tuner.

Photograph of video monitoring camera mounted inside NSWC

reverberation chambers.

Block diagram of NBS system used in evaluation of NSWC

reverberation chambers.

Statistical representat i on of the composite VSWR of the

transmitting antennas used to launch the fields inside the NSWC

reverberation chambers, (see table 1)

Coupling efficiency (maximum, average and minimum losses)

between transmitted and received powers measured at antennas'

terminals inside NSWC reverberation chambers, (see table 1 for

definition of antennas used.)

Ratio of maximum to minimum received power obtained by rotating

tuner(s) in the frequency range 100 MHz to 18 GHz inside the

NSWC reverberation chambers.

Cross sectional views and photograph of NSWC reverberation

chambers showing placement of NBS isotropic probes for

evaluation of spatial distribution of E-fields.

Spatial distribution of the E-field measured inside the NSWC

half reverberation chamber using array of 10 NBS isotropic

probes: (a) average, and (b) maximum. Net input power

normalized to 1 watt. Transmitting antennas are log periodic,

0.1 GHz to 1.0 GHz, and low power horn, 1.0 GHz to 2.0 GHz.

. Spatial distribution of the E-field measured inside NSWC full

reverberation chamber using array of 10 NBS isotropic probes:

(a) average, and (b) maximum. Net input power normalized to 1 watt. Transmitting antennas same as figure 10.

. Spatial distribution of the E-field measured inside NSWC full

reverberation chamber using array of 10 NBS isotropic prober,

,

100 MHz to 300 MHz: (a) average, and (b) maximum. Net input

power normalized to 1 watt. Log periodic transmitting antenna

replaced by Cavitenna.

v
Figure 13. Average values of the E-field strength measured inside NSWC

reverberation chambers using array of 10 NBS isotropic probes

with 1 watt net input power: (a) and (c) average of the

averages, (b) and (d) average of the maximums. Transmitting

antennas same as figure 10.

Figure 14. Average values of the E-field strength measured inside NSWC full

reverberation chamber using array of 10 NBS isotropic probes,

100 MHz to 300 MHz: (a) average of the averages, (b) average of

the maximums. Net input power normalized to 1 watt. Log

periodic transmitting antenna replaced with cavitenna.

Figure 15. Average and maximum E-field strength determined inside NSWC

reverberation chambers using: (1) composite of three receiving

antennas (see table 1) received power measurements, and (2)

calibrated 1 cm dipole probe measurements. Net input power

normalized to 1 watt.

Figure 16. Average and maximum E-field strength inside empty NBS

reverberation chamber for 1 watt net input power determined

from: (1) composite of 3 antennas received power measurements,

and (2) calibrated 1 cm dipole probe measurements.

Figure 17. Comparison of the peak responses of NBS 1 cm dipole probe and

NBS single ridged horn to normalized E-field of 37 dB V/m

determined using NBS and NSWC reverberation chambers, (a) 1 cm dipole probe, (b) ridged horn.

Table 1 . Transmitting and receiving antennas used in the NSWC

reverberation chambers evaluation.

Table 2. Spatial variations in the E-field average and maximum values

measured inside the NSWC reverberation chambers.

Table 3. Summary and estimates of measurement uncertainties for

determining field strength inside NSWC reverberation chambers - Mode Tuned (100 MHz - 2.0 GHz).

Table 4. Summary and estimates of measurement uncertainties for

determining field strength inside NSWC reverberation chambers - Mode Stirred (1.0 GHz -18.0 GHz).

Table 5. Estimates of impedance mismatch uncertainties for received power

measurements for NSWC reverberation chambers.

vi
Electromagnetic Radiation Test Facilities

Evaluation of Reverberation Chambers

Located at NSWC, Dahlgren, Virginia

Myron L. Crawford

Galen H. Koepke

Electromagnetic Fields Division

National Bureau of Standards

Boulder, Colorado 80303

This report describes measurement procedures and results

obtained from evaluating the reverberation chamber facilities

located at the Naval Surface Weapons Center (NSWC), Dahlgren,

Virginia. The two chambers tested are referred to as 1) the half

chamber, and 2) the full chamber. The facilities were developed

by the NSWC for use in measuring and analyzing the

electromagnetic susceptibility/vulnerability (EMS/V) of weapon

systems and the shielding effectiveness of enclosures and

shielding materials. A brief description of each facility is

given including the instrumentation used for performing the

evaluation and calibration of the facilities by the National

Bureau of Standards (NBS). Measurements described include: 1)

evaluation of the chambers' transmitting and receiving antennas'

voltage standing wave ratios; 2) measurement of the chambers'

insertion loss or coupling efficiency versus frequency; 3)

measurement of the chambers' tuner effectiveness; 4)

determination of the E-field uniformity in the chambers' test

zones versus frequency; 5) determination of the absolute

amplitude calibration of the test E-fields in the chambers based

upon the reference antennas received power measurements and

calibrated dipole probe antenna measurements; and 6) comparison

of reference equipment under test (EUT) responses to test fields

established inside the NSWC reverberation chambers and the NBS

reverberation chamber. These results can then be compared to

anechoic chamber results. Conclusions given indicate that the

NSWC chambers can be used at frequencies down to approximately

150 MHz. Estimates are given of the measurement uncertainties

derived empirically from the test results.

Key words: electromagnetic radiated susceptibility/vulnerability

measurements; reverberation chamber.

1.0 Introduction

The use of a reverberation chamber for performing EMS/V measurements is

relatively new. Considerable work has been done in the past to evaluate and

document methods for using this technique [1-4], Recently, considerable

research work has been done at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) to

1
carefully evaluate, develop (when necessary), describe, and document the

methodology for performing radiated susceptibility/vulnerability (EMS/V)

measurements using a reverberation chamber. This effort is described in an NBS publication, NBS TN 1 092 [5]. The incentive for performing this work

stems from the numerous advantages suggested for the use of a reverberation

chamber. These include:

1. Electrical isolation from or to the external environment;

2. Accessibility (indoor test facility);

3. The ability to generate high level fields efficiently over large

test volumes;

M . Broad frequency coverage;

5. Cost effectiveness;

6. Potential use for both radiated susceptibility and emission testing

with minor instrumentation changes;

7. No requirement of physical rotations of the equipment under test

(EUT)

;

8. Security; and

9. Personnel not exposed to radiated test fields.

These advantages are somewhat offset by limitations which include loss

of polarization and directivity information relative to the EMC/EMI profile

of the EUT and somewhat limited measurement accuracy. However, this

technique does offer a time-efficient, cost-effective way to evaluate the

EMS/V performance of large equipment using a shielded enclosure with minor

modifications. The measurement concept utilizes the shielded, high-Q,

multimoded environment to obtain uniform (time averaged) fields that may

simulate "real world", near field environments. Also, it may well be the

only technique by which very high exposure fields can be safely generated

for performing EM susceptibility tests required by the Department of Defense

for some of their "real world" applications.

These considerations, along with others, motivated the Naval Surface

Weapons Center, Dahlgren, VA to invest in the research and development of

this methodology and finally to construct and place into operation the

facilities whose description and evaluation are given in this report.

Measurements described were performed between May 10 and May 31, 1985.

2.0 Description of the NSWC Reverberation Chamber Facilities and NBS

Evaluation System

The NSWC reverberation chambers are made from one large shielded

enclosure partitioned into two compartments with a double walled bulkhead

removable panel. The two chambers evaluated consist of: 1) the "half

chamber", 3.51 m x 5.18 m x 5.86 m in size (which is actually a little over half of the full size enclosure), and 2) the full chamber, 3.51 m x 5.18 m x 10.82 m in size. The enclosure is constructed of continuous welded steel

sheeting similar to the NBS reverberation chamber [5]. It is equipped with

two large 2.13 m x 2.13 m air inflatable sliding doors located at each end

for access into the two compartments when the partition is in place. Each

compartment has its own tuner as shown in figure 1. Typically only the

larger of the two compartments (half chamber), or the full size chamber are

used for performing EMS/V tests. The particular chamber in use (half or full) is excited by transmitting antennas located either close to a corner,

2
oriented toward the corner (150 MHz - 1.0 GHz), or on the side wall of the

chambers oriented toward the tuner (1.0 GHz - 18 GHz) as shown in figures 1 and 2. Forty-five degree waveguide elbows are used at frequencies above 8.0

GHz. The purpose of these antenna placements is to couple the transmitted

signal into all possible chamber modes as efficiently and uniformly as possible without favoring particular modes or transmitting directly into the

chamber’s test zone, or coupling the signal directly between the

transmitting and receiving antennas. This is necessary to obtain a uniform,

statistical, spatial distribution of the field in the chamber's test zone.

A single tuner, mounted from the ceiling (figures 2 and 3) was used for the

half chamber evaluation tests. A second tuner, also ceiling mounted, was activated for the full chamber evaluation tests. The chambers have remote

video monitoring equipment shown in the photograph of figure M. This

equipment is EMI hardened and was left in the chambers during the evaluation

tests. The reference receiving antennas (used for determining the field

strength in the chamber) are placed in and oriented toward one corner of the

chamber as shown in figure 1 . The transmitting and reference receiving

antennas used within their specified frequency bands are identified in Table

1 .

The chambers were evaluated using two different operational approaches

referred to as mode-tuned and mode-stirred [5]. The mode-tuned approach was used at frequencies from 100 MHz to 2 GHz, and the mode-stirred approach was used at frequencies from 1.0 GHz to 18 GHz.

For the mode-tuned tests, the tuner is stepped at selected, uniform

increments, permitting measurements of the net input power supplied to the

transmitting antenna, the receiving antenna power, field-measuring probes

responses and the EUT response at each tuner position. This allows

corrections to be made for the changes in the transmitting antenna's input

impedance as a function of tuner position and frequency so that the

measurement results can be normalized to a constant net input value (1 watt

for these tests). The number of tuner steps per revolution used were 200 at

frequencies below 1.0 GHz and MOO in the frequency range 1 - 2 GHz.

For the mode-stirred tests, the tuner is continuously rotated while

sampling the reference antenna received power, field probe response and the

EUT response at rates much faster than the tuner revolution rate. These

measurements are made using a spectrum analyzer, diode detectors, and

"smart" voltmeters that are capable of data storage and calculation of

statistical functions such as mean values and standard deviations. The mode

stirred approach allows large data samples (up to 9,999) to be obtained for

a single tuner revolution. Tuner revolution rates can be adjusted to meet

the EUT output monitor and diode probe response time requirements. Typical

rates used are approximately 3 to 6 minutes per revolution.

A block diagram of the basic system used to evaluate the chambers is

shown in figure 5. The test field was established inside the chamber under

evaluation by means of an rf source connected to the appropriate

transmitting antenna defined in table 1. Modes excited inside the chamber

were then stirred by rotating the tuner(s) which function as fieldperturbing devices. The test zones in the chambers were defined as the

chambers’ volume less a minimum separation from the walls, and ceiling of

1/2 meter. Placement of an EUT should fall within this volume exc-pt

possibly relative to the floor which mav be less than 1/2 meter depending

3
-

r*-

CP
each figure are the maximum, average, and minimum losses as a function of

frequency, determined by rotating the tuner through a complete revolution.

Impedance mismatch between the power detector used to measure the received

power and the receiving antenna have not been accounted for. As noted from

the data shown in figures 6, this can contribute to a significant error,

especially at frequencies below 1 GHz. The magnitude of this source of

error is discussed in [5] and is included in the error estimates given in

section 5 of this report.

3.2 Tuner Effectiveness

Another consideration in the operation of a reverberation chamber is

the effectiveness of the tuner to redistribute the energy in the chamber and

hence to obtain complete randomness in the characteristics of the test

signal. To achieve this the tuner must be electrically large and be shaped

or oriented so as to distribute energy equally well into all possible

chamber modes. A test to determine how well the tuner is functioning is to

measure the ratio of the maximum to minimum received power of the receiving

antenna as a function of tuner position. This is done while maintaining a constant net input power to the chamber's transmitting antenna. A large

ratio indicates the tuner is, in fact, redistributing the scattered fields

inside the chamber effectively. The results of these measurements are given

in figures 8a and 8b for the half and full chambers. A number of factors,

including those referred to earlier related to the design of the tuner, can

influence the magnitude of this ratio. For example, a reduction in this

ratio after placing the EUT inside the chamber is an indication of the

loading effect or reduction of the chamber's quality factor (Q) caused by

the EUT. A minimum ratio of 20 dB is suggested for proper operation of the

chamber

.

3.3 Test Zone E-Field Uniformity

Tests were made to determine the E-field uniformity in the chambers as

a function of spatial position and frequency. Ten NBS isotropic probes

designed to operate at frequencies up to 2 GHz were placed inside each

chamber as shown in figures 9a, 9b, and 9c. Each probe has three

orthogonally oriented dipoles aligned with the enclosures' axes.

Measurements were made of the field strength of each orthogonal component at

the ten locations for each tuner position (200 steps of 1.8 degrees for

frequencies 100 - 1000 MHz, and 400 steps of 0.9 degrees for frequencies 1.0

-2.0 GHz). These data were normalized for a net input power of 1 watt

applied at the input terminals of the transmitting antennas. The maximum

and average values for each component and the vector sum (total) of the

components were then determined from the complete data sets. The results of

these measurements are shown in figures 10 and 11. The spread of the data

shows the spatial field variation inside the enclosure at the indicated

frequencies. A substantial drop in the field strength is indicated at 10C

MHz. Additional measurements were made using a different transmitting

antenna to determine if this drop was due to the low frequency, (out-ofband) response characteristics of the transmitting antenna used or due to

insufficient moding of the chambers at 100 MHz. These additions,

measurements were made only in the full chamber since its larger volum--

should allow greater moding and hence lower frequency use. The antenna

selected to replace the transmitting antenna used to obtain the data of

figures 10 and 11 was designed to operate in the frequency range 30 to 1

5
MHz. The antenna's lower frequency limit is well below the 100 MHz

anticipated lower frequency limit for the full size chamber. Results of the

measurements are shown in figure 12. A comparison of these results with

figure 11 indicate the chamber is operating properly down to 100 MHz. The

drop in E-field indicated in figure 11 at 100 MHz is believed then, to be

due to the out of band response characteristics (poor VSWR and/or

efficiency) of the log periodic antenna used in obtaining the data of

figures 10 and 11. The spread in the data (spatial distribution) at

selected frequencies is summarized in table 2. The spread is as great as ±

8 dB at 100 MHz (half chamber) decreasing to approximately ± 3.5 dB at 300

MHz, ± 2 dB at 1.0 GHz, and ± 1.5 dB. at 2.0 GHz. The average values,

determined statistically from the data measured at the ten locations, for

the average and maximum E-fields of each component and their composite total

are summarized in figures 13 and 14. Note that the relative amplitudes of

the field components are approximately the same and the composite total of

the average E-field components is approximately 4.8 dB or a ratio of /3

greater than the individual components. This indicates the measured values

of the average of each component are independent of polarization in the

chamber. Hence, the average field inside the chambers appears to be

randomly polarized. The composite total however, of the E-field components'

maxima (figures 1 3b, 1 3d ,and, 1 4b) are less than 4.8 dB. This indicates that

the maximum measured values for each component are not independent (i.e.,

E ,, , ,, is a function of E etc.). This is similar to the results

x(total) y(total)

obtained in the NBS reverberation chamber and appears to be inherent in the

reverberation chamber measurement method. The implication is that if

multiple receptors are involved in establishing the maximum susceptibility

of an EUT (for example in measuring the E-field in the chamber by using an isotropic probe with 3 orthogonal dipoles), the difference between the

maximum and average response determined for the EUT may be incorrectly

weighted (less than the 7-8 dB anticipated). (See section 2.3 of [5].)

3.4 E-Field Amplitude Calibration

The field strength in the chamber can be determined in two ways. The

first is to measure the power received by the reference antennas, and then

determine the equivalent power density in the enclosure using the equation

wave impedance in the chamber, P ’ is the equivalent power density in the

enclosure, A is the wavelength, and P ' is the average measured received

power. The averaged wave impedance is assumed to be approximately equal to

1

2

Ott ohms. The validity of (1) has been verified and is discussed in

section 2.3.1 of NBS TN 1092 [5].

The maximum and average electric field strengths inside the NSWC

chambers determined from the receiving antenna power measurements and (1 )

[5],

(V/m)

,

( 1 )

where E is the equivalent electric field, n' is the statistically averaged

3.

6
are shown in figures 15a and 15b. These data were obtained for a 1 watt net

input power to the enclosure's transmitting antenna.

The electric field strength inside the chambers can be determined a second way by measuring it with one or more calibrated probes. Data

obtained using a 1 cm dipole probe fabricated a>t the NBS are also shown on

figures 15a and 15b. The probe was calibrated in a planar field using a TEM

cell [6] at frequencies up to 500 MHz and in an anechoic chamber at

frequencies from 500 MHz to 18 GHz [7]. The assumption is made that the

field strength over the aperture of the probe inside the reverberation

chambers will approximate the planar field used to calibrate the probe.

This is reasonable, at least at frequencies for which the probe is

electrically small. Also, the open-space far-field gain of an electrically

small dipole is small (1.76 dB). Thus, the probe-measured fields should be

equivalent, within approximately 1.76 dB, to the E-fields determined using a receiving antenna. This is true if the equivalent gains for the probe and

receiving antenna, after being placed inside the chambers, are assumed to be

unity. The agreement shown is typical of the random variations in the data

used to determine the field strength inside the reverberat ion chambers.

4.0 Comparison of NSWC Reverberation Chambers with NBS Reverberation

Chamber

Since the NSWC chambers are very similar to the NBS chamber (all are

constructed of continuous welded steel sheeting), it is of value to compare

evaluation results obtained for the different chambers. Such a comparison

was made to answer two significant questions. First, can the input power

requirements of a chamber as a function of its size be estimated based upon

the calibration of a chamber of similar construction, and second, are

susceptibility test results obtained for the same EUT in different

reverberation chambers comparable? Results shown in figures 16 and 17

indicate that both questions are answered in the affirmative. Figure 16

shows the fields inside the NBS chamber calculated from the chambers'

reference antenna received power measurements and also measured by the

calibrated 1 cm long dipole probe. These data can then be compared with

figures 15a and 15b showing the same type data for the NSWC chambers. The

net input power was normalized to one watt for all three chambers. The

field inside the NBS chamber is approximately 4 dB stronger than the NSWC

half chamber and 6 dB stronger than the NSWC full chamber. It is

interesting to recall from theory that the power density inside a second

chamber can be estimated from a calibrated chamber by using the equation

[5],

V

2 Q

,

U

1 «2

( 2 )

where is the power density, V is the volume and Q is the quality factor

for the particular chamber (1 or 2). If we assume the first chamber is th*

NBS chamber with a volume, = 38.19 cubic meters and Q = 0.548/6,, n : the second chamber is the larger, full size NSWC chamber with a V. 1

9

1

7
cubic meters and 0.887/6 2 , the ratio in average power densities

(assuming the same net input power and the same metal, 6j = 6 2 )» /P.

d

1 d2

3.22. (The parameter, 6, is the skin depth of the metal used in the

enclosures.) The average power density inside the larger chamber would be

approximately 1/3.22 or 0.311 times as much as that in the NBS enclosure.

This is equal to about 5 dB, a little less than the approximate 6 dB

difference indicated by comparing figures 15b and 16, but still within

reason.

The positive answer to the second question, that of obtaining

comparable susceptibility results using different chambers, is demonstrated

in figures 17a and 17b. These graphs show the comparison in measuring the

responses of the NBS 1 cm dipole probe and a rectangular single ridged horn

to a normalized 37 dB V/m field inside the 3 different reverberation

chambers. Comparisons of the estimated curve fits for each data set agree

quite well (within approximately 2 dB).

An effort was also made to compare results obtained, for the two

reference standard EUT referred to above (section 4), between the

reverberation chambers and an anechoic chamber to estimate a "correlation

factor." The results consisted of the measured peak output response of two

EUTs exposed to test fields in the two environments of the same relative

amplitude. The anechoic chamber used was a 4.9 m x 6.7 m x 8.5 m chamber

lined with 66 cm high-frequency rf absorber located at NBS, Boulder,

Colorado. The EUTs were designated as references because they are simple

structures that can be accurately characterized both theoretically and

experimentally. The outcome of this effort can be found in NBS TN 1092 [5].

5.0 Summary of Measurement Uncertainty

5.1 Estimate of Uncertainty in Establishing E-Field Amplitude inside the

Chambers

Susceptibility/vulnerability test fields established inside the

chamber (s) can be determined two ways: either using a reference receiving

antenna or a calibrated probe. If a reference receiving antenna is used,

the field is determined in terms of "equivalent" power density or "equivalent" electric field strength by using (1). If a calibrated E-field

probe is used, the field strength is measured relative to an equivalent

probe response in a known planar field. An estimate of the uncertainties in

each of these methods can be determined by analyzing the contributing

parameters involved in each method. The significant sources of error are

summarized in tables 3 and 4 for the mode-tuned and mode stirred approaches

respectively, within their appropriate frequency bands. Four major

categories are identified. The first is the uncertainty in determining the

received power measured by the reference antennas, (la. tables 3 and 4), or in measuring the E-field with the calibrated probe, (1b. tables 3 and 4),

The uncertainty in determining the received power is broken up into five

components: cable loss, attenuator calibration, reference antenna

efficiency, power meter or spectrum analyzer measurement uncertainties, and

impedance mismatch. Values shown for the first four components are typical

of estimated uncertainties stated for these types of measurements and

instruments. The fifth component, impedance mismatch is the uncertainty in

8
determining the actual power delivered to the detector (load) attached to

the antenna (source) relative to the power available. The actual or measured power is a function of the impedance match between the source and

load, with maximum power transfer occurring when a conjugate impedance match

exists

.

Power transfer between a source and a load is given as

P f

fraction of maximum , ^ _ | r

i 2

^

, 1 available power absorbed =

^ S

^ ^ | L by the load i . f r

i 2

1 S L

1

(3)

where r c and r. denote complex reflection coefficients for the source and

O Li load respectively. The magnitudes, |Tg| and |r^| can be obtained from the

appropriate VSWR by the expressions

VSWR - 1 VSWR + 1

i = S or L .

The VSWRs for the reference antennas (sources) and power detectors

(loads) used in the NSWC reverberation chambers are given in table 5. These

values were used to calculate the estimated uncertainties shown for the

mismatch errors in tables 3 and 4. Both the statistical average and maximum

values are given.

Discussions of the uncertainty in calibrating E-field probes in planar

fields can be found in [6,7]. Their response to fields inside a reverberation chamber has been shown to be less than their response in a planar field. The difference is proportional to their free-space gain [4].

Typical probes used are electrically short dipoles over most of the

frequency range. Sometimes however, they are used beyond their resonance

frequency (for example the 1 cm dipole probe at frequencies above 15 GHz).

The corrections needed to' correlate results obtained in the reverberation

chambers with those obtained in free-space or in anechoic chambers then

correspond to from 1.76 dB to 2.6 dB. The total estimated uncertainties of

using the NBS 1 cm dipole probe to measure E-field amplitudes in the

reverberation chambers are shown on tables 3 and 4 (see 1b).

The second category of error, referred to as mixing or sampling

efficiency, is divided into two parts. The first part relates to the

ability to obtain a uniform spatial field distribution (statistically)

inside the chamber and to effectively destroy the polarization

characteristics of the exposure field, (i.e., the statistically determined

response characteristics of the EUT and chamber reference antenna are

independent of their directional properties.) The second part is the

uncertainty due to limiting the number of tuner positions per revolution

when performing the measurement. This source of uncertainty is different

when determining the average as compared to the maximum field as shown : r. the tables. Data contained in [5] (figure 2.27 and table 6.4) were used : r. obtaining these estimates.

9
The third category of uncertainty relates only to determining the

equivalent E-field strength in the chamber from the equivalent power

density. Recall that equation (1) assumes that the equivalent wave

impedance inside the chamber is 1 20tt ohms. In reality this is not true as has been shown [5]. However, data shown in [5] can be and were used to

provide an estimate for this error. These data indicate that a wave

impedance as great as 1600 ohms can exist at frequencies below 500 MHz when

the maximum E-field is measured. This corresponds to approximately 6 dB of

correction. However, a significant amount of data obtained to date,

indicates that a well behaved relationship (7-8 dB difference) exists

between the measured peak and average values of the E-field. This suggests,

at least at frequencies above a f ew hundred megahertz where the chambers are highly moded, that the peak value of the wave impedance for the maximum

measured E-field inside the chambers decreases as the frequency increases.

In the limit, it is believed the value approaches 1 2

0

tt ohms. Thus this

source of error decreases as frequency increases. These observations are reflected in the uncertainty estimates shown in the cables.

The fourth source of error occurs if one fails to correct for net input

power variations due to the loading effect of the chamber on the VSWR of the

source antennas. These corrections are made when using the mode-tuned

approach and hence are not included in table 3. They are not made however,

when using the mode-stirred approach and hence are shown in table 4.

The total worst-case uncertainties for each method (receiving antenna

and calibrated probe) of determining the E-field for both the mode-tuned and

mode-stirred approaches are shown at the bottom of the appropriate table.

These uncertainties should be regarded as a conservative estimate. The

probability of the true value of amplitude of the test field being near an extreme is small. This is because the probability of all error sources being at their extreme value in the worst possible combination is almost

zero

.

A more realistic method of combining uncertainties is the root-sum-ofthe-squares (RSS) method. The RSS uncertainty is based on the fact that

most of the errors are statistically independent of each other and hence

combine like random variables.

Finding the RSS uncertainty requires that each individual uncertainty

be expressed in fractional form. The method of calculation follows the name

- square the components, sum those squares and then take the square root.

The results for both methods of determining the E-fields are shown at the

bottom of tables 3 and 4.

5.2 General Comments

Some general comments on interpreting uncertainties of immunity

measurement results based upon the above experimental error analysis are appropriate

.

1) The mismatch error at frequencies below 2 GHz, (particularly if

corrections are not made for the transmitting or receiving antennas

mismatches looking into their source or load), will cause the field

determination inside the chamber to be low. This also causes the EUT

10
response results to be lower than they actually are. For example, the

low frequency data of figures 17a and 17b should be corrected (response

increased) proportionally to the systematic offset error estimates

shown in tables 3 and 4.

The wave impedance, when the peak response of an EUT is measured,

appears to be higher than 120tt ohms. This means that if the free space

wave impedance of 1 2

0

tt ohms is used in determining the corresponding

peak amplitude of the exposure field, there will be a systematic offset

error resulting in too low a calculated E-field exposure value. Since

the actual E-field is higher than the calculated value this results in

too high a EUT response indication for a specified E-field exposure.

If the E-field is determined using a calibrated E-field probe, there

still remains a degree of uncertainty since the wave impedance is

different in the calibration environment as compared to the

reverberation chamber environment. For this reason, this source of error was included in calculating the total and RSS uncertainties in

establishing the E-field using the probe method.

3) The spatial variation in the measured, statistically determined E-field

in the chambers resulting from a complete revolution of the tuner(s)

decreases from as great as ± 8 dB at 100 MHz to less than ± 2 dB at 2.0

GHz. It is expected that this variation will continue to decrease as the frequency increases. However, high variations exist in the

response data obtained for the reference standard EUT (1 cm dipole and

ridged horn) at frequencies where the spatial E-field variation are

small. This is due to the other contributing sources of error as discussed in 5.1. A way to reduce this problem is to increase the

number of frequencies at which data are taken (clustered around a particular frequency of interest) or increase the number of reference

receiving antennas or probes used to determine the exposure field and

then average the data (for example as was done in figures 13 and 14).

6.0 Summary and Conclusions

1. The practical lower frequency limits recommended for using the NSWC

half and full size chambers, assuming the transmitting antennas listed

in table 1 are used, are approximately 200 MHz and 150 MHz

respectively.

2. Spatial variations in the E-field maximum and average values

determined in the half and full chamber test volumes are shown in table

2. These data were determined using the mode-tuned approach with 200

tuner increments at 100 MHz to 1 000 MHz and 400 tuner increments at

1000 MHz to 2000 MHz for one complete tuner revolution. The limitation

for determining the spatial E-field variation is most likely due to the

increasing mode density and hence field complexity in the chamber as a function of frequency. The limited sample size then becomes

insufficient to determine the actual maximums with greater accuracy.

In reality, the spatial E-field variations should continue to decrease

(less than ± 1 .8 dB) above 2 GHz if sufficiently large data samples are taken and the measurement instrumentation has adequate dynamic rang'

and precision.
3.

Antennas used within the chambers for transmitting energy or for

determining the test E-field amplitude should not be used outside their

recommended frequency range. See table 1 for antennas recommended for

the NSWC chambers.

4.

The mode-tuned approach is recommended for use in both chambers at

frequencies below 1 GHz. Either mode-tuned or mode-stirred can be used

from 1 to 2 GHz. The mode stirred approach is recommended for use above 2.0 GHz. This allows for some overlap in the measurement

approach selected. Based upon antenna VSWR and EUT response data

obtained from evaluation measurements, the following approaches and

number of samples per tuner (s) revolution are suggested for performing

susceptibility testing.

Frequency Range Method # Tuner Positio:

0.15 - 1.0 GHz Mode Tuned 200

1.0 -- 2.0 GHz Mode Tuned 400

1.0 — 4.0 GHz Mode Stirred >3000

4.0 - 18.0 GHz Mode Stirred >5000

5.

The maximum E-field is approximately 8 dB greater than the average

E-field established inside the chambers.

6.

The theory for predicting input power requirements for a second

unknown chamber based upon the known requirements of a first chamber

appears to be valid.

7.

EMS/V data obtained for an EUT in similarly constructed, but

different reverberation chambers, are approximately the same.

8.

Since results of EUT response measurements made using the NSWC

reverberation chambers are approximately the same as for the NBS

reverberation chamber, it follows that these results will be lower than

when measured in the open field or in anechoic chambers. The

"correlation factor" appears to be the open space (far-field) gain of

the EUT. This implies that susceptibility criteria determined for an EUT using a reverberat ion chamber must include an additional factor

proportional to the EUT ' s open-field estimated maximum gain as a function of frequency.

9.

Also implied from 7 above is that the directional characteristics

of an antenna or EUT placed inside a reverberation chamber are lost,

resulting in an equivalent gain in this complex environment of unity.

7.0 Acknowledgments

Work described in this report was sponsored by the Naval Surface

Weapons Center, Dahlgren, Virginia, with Mr. John Bean as project monitor.

The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Mr. Bean and Mike

Hatfield, NSWC, Lawrence C. Halley, EG&G, Washington Analytical Services

Center Inc., Dahlgren, Virginia and John Workman, NBS for their help and

cooperation in performing the measurements discussed in this report. In

addition, the authors express appreciation to Dr. Mark Ma, NBS for his

support, helpful comments and editorial review.

12
8.0 References

[1] Mendes, H.A. A new approach to electromagnetic field-strength

measurements in shielded enclosures. Wescon Tech. Papers; Los Angeles,

CA. 1968 August.

[2] Cummings, J.R. Translational electromagnetic environment chamber, a new method for measuring radiated susceptibility and emissions. Proc.

IEEE Int. Symp. on EMC; 1975; San Antonio, TX.

[3] Corona, P. ; Latmiral, G. ; Paolini, E. ; Piccioli, L. Performance of a reverberation enclosure for power measurements in the microwave range.

2nd Symp. Tech Exhibition on EMC; 1977; Montreux, Switzerland.

[4] Bean, J.L.; Hall, R.A. Electromagnetic susceptibility measurements

using a mode-stirred chamber. Proc. IEEE Int. Symp. on EMC; 1978;

Atlanta, GA.

[5] Crawford, M.L.; Koepke , G.H. Design, evaluation and use of a reverberation chamber for performing electromagnetic

susceptibility/vulnerabilty measurements. Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.)

Tech. Note 1092; 1986 April. 148 p.

[6] Crawford, M.L. Generation of standard EM fields for calibration of

power density meters: 20 kHz to 1000 MHz. Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.)

NBSIR 75-804; 1975 January. 40 p.

[7] Crawford, M.L.; Koepke, G.H. Comparing EM susceptibility measurement

results between reverberation and anechoic chambers. IEEE Inter. Symp.

on EMC; 1985; Wakefield, MA.

13
Figure 1. Cross sectional views of NSWC reverberation chamber(s) showing

placement of tuner(s), transmitting and receiving antennas, and

probe used to evaluate E-field amplitude inside the chamber(s).

Cavitenna and log periodic antennas used in location A for half

chamber when partition is in place. Cavitenna and log periodic

antennas used in location B for full chamber when partition is

removed. Antennas on side wall remain in place for either

chamber configuration (half or full).

14
15

Figure

2.

Photographs

of

interior

of

NSWC

"half"

reverberation

chamber

showing

transmitting

antennas

mounted

on

side

wall

and

tuner

mounted

from

ceiling.
16

Figure

3-

Photograph

showing

closeup

of

NSWC

reverberation

chamber

tuner.
Figure 4. Photograph of video monitoring camera mounted inside

reverberation chambers.

NSWC

17
TUNER

CONTROL o

5=CO2

<4H OCo

•l

—I

4-> CO3i—I

CO>

CDC

•H

•a

CD

CO3E

CD

CO>>

(0

CO

CO

<4-f OE

CO

S-, bO

CO H

X3XOo

rH

CO

in

CD

S-3

bO

•rH

Cx-<

18

reverberation

chambers.
Composite VSWR of Transmit antennas in NSWC Chamber

Composite VSWR of Transmit antennas in NSNC Chamber

Full Chamber Frequency (GHz)

Figure 6. Statistical representation of the composite VSWR of the

transmitting antennas used to launch the fields inside the N. reverberation chambers, (see table 1)

19
SYSTEM LOSS of NSNC Chamber

Full Chamber Frequency (GHz)

| Figure 7. Coupling efficiency (maximum, average and minimum losses)

between transmitted and received powers measured at antennas'

terminals inside NSWC reverberation chambers, (see table 1 for

definition of antennas used.)

20
Tuner Effectiveness C20*Log(Ld. max/Ea min)]

Tuner Effectiveness C20*Log(La max/La min)]

NSWC Full Chamber Frequency (GHz)

Figure 8. Ratio of maximum to minimum received power obtained by rotating

tuner(s) in the frequency range 100 MHz to 18 GHz inside the

NSWC reverberation chambers.

21
<fr

Tuner

Side View

Figure 9a. Cross sectional views of NSWC half size reverberation chamber

showing placement of NBS isotropic probes for evaluation of

spatial distribution of E-fields.

22
Door

§

4

Side View

Figure 9b. Cross sectional views of NSWC full sire reverberation chamber

showing placement of NBS isotropic probes for evaluation of

spatial distribution of E-fields.

23
**H

a i •pH rd CL

4=

O

Li CJ H-*O in to ui no z •H —

m

•4-4 • pH O to •4-i oa 1 Z w MO •4-4 •pH •4-4 o

Li o

HI c:

-*-• o p H-* pH • pH c 4-> OJ P e X)

*4-4 ai • pH o a Li

rd H—

—

in x: CL •pH

ca- T5

rd

t-j cn

—

cn £ rd o PH • pH

-*-• 2 H—

o o rd jp jC ea- PH in rn

U in D* ai to xa Z oM

O.

•hho o• PHOu

Jp o

CLM

rd h-* Li O

cj» in o in no O tO —

x m oi O. Z - •now e

rd -*-* *4-i C o

0J

in 0 P £ «u o

oi

a • ph rd •«-» > —• P

CL X)

24
AVERAGE CHRNNEL X, Half Chamber AVERAGE CHRNNEL Y, Half Chamber

RVERRGE CHRNNEL Z, Half Chamber RVERRGL Oh TOTAL, NSWC Half Chamber

5

2 2^4.

35

30 \h . \ 25 >

'; " 6 v

4-*-

j i

tn

11 20 i - j 1 p

J

LJ

, 5

i

6 L

-7 1 0

-_U. J i_ i_ L 1 ..1 .1 a._i 1 _i__x 1 1 . 1 . 5

e 300 600 300 1200 1500 10002100 FREQUENCY (MHz) FREQUENCY ( MHz

)

MAXIMUM CHRNNEL X, Half Chamber MAXIMUM CHANNEL Y, Half Chamber

(b)

MAXIMUM CHANNEL Z, Half Chamber

11. in FREQUENCY IMHjI

Figure 10. Spatial distribution of the E-field measured inside the NSWC

chamber using array of 10 NBS isotropic probes: (a) aver i/

Net input power normalized to 1 watt. Transmitting antennas

0.1 GHz to 1.0 GHz, and low power horn, 1.0 GHz to 2.0 GHz.

half reverberation

and (b) maximum,

are log periodic.

25
/

(a)

RVERRGE ON CHANNEL X, NSWC Full Chamber

FREQUENCY (MHz)

RVERRGE ON CHANNEL 2, NSWC Full Chamber

*

* *

“ 0

~r ~r T

.*4 i. O „

4 || S • V '

.

r‘ - G s'

300 600 900 1200 1500 18002100 FREQUENCY ( Ml iz )

AVERAGE ON CHANNEL Y, NSWC Full Chambe

Lin'liiiijiintH

1

1

'

i • i

jiiiilii'lijjf'ih V u

J . . I 1 I I 1 . I— 300 600 900 1200 1500 18002100

FRLOUI.NCY ( MH/. )

/

(b) <

Figure 11.

® 25

MAXIMUM ON CHANNEL X, NSWC Full Chamber. MAXIMUM ON CHANNEL Y, NSWC Full Chamber.

t'i W:

r

,?

600 900 1200 1500 18002100 FREQUENCY (MHz) MAXIMUM ON CHANNEL Z, NSWC Ful

I

Chamber.

600 900 1200 1500 18002100 FREQUENCY (MHz) MAXIMUM OF TOTAL. NSWC Full Chamber

FREQUENCY (MHz) Spatial distribution of the E-field measured inside NSWC full reverberation

chamber using array of 10 NBS isotropic probes: (a) average, and (b) maximum.

Net input power normalized to 1 watt. Transmitting antennas same as figure 10

26
RVENRGE ON CHRNNEL X, NSWC Full Chamber.

(a) /<

«3 FREQUENCY (MHz)

fiver age of Channel Z, NSWC Ful I Chamber.

Average of Channel Y, NSWC Full Chamber.

five rage of TOTRL, NSWC Full Chamber.

(b)

\

>

/

\

I

Maximum of Channel X, NSWC Full Ch a mb e r . 40

35

~ 30

E>5 25

P

J

U 20 M

L.

I 5

l 050 100 150 200 250 300 350

+* FREQUENCY (MHz)

Maximum of Channel Z, NSWC" Ful I Chamber.

Maximum of Channel Y, NSWC Full Chamber

Overage of TOTRL, NSWC Ful I Chamber

T~ ~r ~r ~r

9 e

I 7 1—L|—M-!

_l

I S0

I 200I 250

f REOUENC Y ( MM i > Figure 12. Spatial distribution of the E-field measured inside NSWC full rev. r! . • •

i chamber using array of 10 NBS isotropic probes, 100 MHz to 300 MHz:

(a) average, and (b) maximum. Net input power normalized to 1 wait,

periodic transmitting antenna replaced by Cavitenna.

27
|0 PROBE AVERAGE OF AVERAGE. NSWC Half Chamber

FREQUENCY (MHz)

10 PROBE AVERAGE OF MAXIMUM. NSWC Half Chamber

l0 PROBE AVERAGE OF AVERAGE. NSWC Full Chamber 10 PROBE RVERRGE OF MRXIMUM, NSWC Full Chamber

E\>m

-op

_Ju

h-i L.

44 , 45 FREQUENCY (MHz)

Figure 13. Average values of the E-field strength measured inside NSWC

reverberation chambers using array of 10 NBS isotropic probes

with 1 watt net input power: (a) and (c) average of the

averages, (b) and (d) average of the maximums. Transmitting

antennas same as figure 10.

28
FIELD

CdB

V/m)

43

Figure 1

RVE of RVES and MRXS , NSNC Full Chamber.

FREQUENCY (MHz)

. Average values of the E-field strength measured inside NSWC full

reverberat ion chamber using array of 10 NBS isotropic probes,

100 MHz to 300 MHz: (a) average of the averages, (b) average of

the maximums. Net input power normalized to 1 watt. Log

periodic transmitting antenna replaced with cavitenna.

29
CALCULATED FIELD AND Icm DIPOLE

-CHAMBER Frequency (GHz)

-C--^BER

V

“requency (GHz)

Laximun I-field strength determined inside NSWC

chambers _sir.g: ' composite of three receiving

: table ' received power measurements, and (2) :m dipole probe measurements. h'et input power

W3.X, X .

30
-FIELD

<dB

Wm

)

E-FIELD IN E>1PTY CHAMBER (MODE TUNED I, l WATT INPUT

Figure 16. Average and maximum E-field strength inside empty NBS

reverberation chamber for 1 watt net input power determined

from: (1) composite of 3 antennas received power measurements,

and (2) calibrated 1 cm dipole probe measurements.

31
OUTPUT

Normalized

to

37dB

V/m

(

dbm

)

OUTPUT

Normalized

to

37dB

V/m

(d

b

mV)

PERK RESPONSE o -f 1cm DIPOLE in VARIOUS CHRMBERS

PERK RESPONSE of RIDGED HORN in VARIOUS CHRMBERS

FREQUENCY (GHz)

Figure 17. Comparison of the peak responses of NBS 1 cm dipole probe and

NBS single ridged horn to normalized E-field of 37 dB V/m

determined using NBS and NSWC reverberation chambers, (a) 1 cm dipole probe, (b) ridged horn.

32
Table 1. Transmitting and receiving antennas used in NSWC reverberation

chambers evaluation

Frequency Transmitting Receiving

(GHz)

0.1 - 0.2 Cavitenna Log Periodic * 0.2 - 1 .0 Log Periodic Log Spiral

1.0- 2.0 1-2 GHz Lo.Pwr. Horn NBS Rect . Ridged Horn

2.0 - 4.0 2-4 GHz Lo.Pwr. Horn NBS Rect. Ridged Horn

4.0 - 8.0 4-8 GHz Lo.Pwr. Horn NBS Double Ridged Cir. Horn

8.0 - 12.0 8-12 GHz Lo.Pwr. Horn NBS Double Ridged Cir. Horn

2.0 - 18.0 12-18 GHz Lo.Pwr. Horn NBS Double Ridged Cir. Horn

ed out of band. Recommend use of appropriate (in band) antenna.

Table 2. Spatial variations in the E-field average and maximum values

measured inside the NSWC reverberation chambers

Frequency

(GHz) Half

Variation in E-field

Chamber

(dB)

Full Chamber

100 < ± 8.0 < ± 7.0

150 < + 7.0 < + 6.0

200 < + 5.5 < ± 5.0

300 < + 4.0 < + 3.5

500 < ± 3.0 < + 3.0

1000 < + 2.5 < ± 2.3

2000 < ± 2.0 < + 1 .8

33
Table 3. Summary and estimates of measurement uncertainties for determining

field strength inside NSWC reverberation chambers - Mode Tuned

(100 MHz - 2.0 GHz)

Source of Error 100 MHz 150 MHz

la. Received Power

Ave. Max. Ave. Max

Cable Loss ± 0.05 ± 0.05

Attenuator Cal. ± 0.10 ± 0.10

Antenna Efficiency ± 0.05 ± 0.05

Pwr. Meter Cal. ± 0.20 ± 0.20

Sub Total ± 0.40 ± 0.40

Mismatch 5.2 - 10.6 -4.4 -8.7

1b. E-Field Meas.

1cm dipole probe

2. Sampling

Efficiency

Spatial Field Var. ± 8 .0 ± 7 .0

Limited Sample Size

(see [1 ]

)

±0.2 ±0.5 ±0.2 ±0.5

Sub Total ±8.2 ±8.5 ±7.2 ±7.5

3. Wave Impedance -2.8 -2.8 -2.4 -2.4

(see [1 ]

)

+2.0 +6.0 +2.0 +6.0

E-Field Determined

By Receiving Ant.

Total Worst

Case Error

-16.6-22.3

+ 10.6 + 14.9

-14.4 -19

+9.2+13.9

RSS Error -10.1-13.8

+8.5+10.4

-8.8-1 1 .7

+7.5 +9.6

E-Field Determined

By Dipole Probe

Total Worst

Case Error

-12.0-12.3

+ 1 1 .2 + 15.5

-10.6 -11

+ 10.2 +1 4

RSS Error -8.7 -9.0

+8.5+10.5

-7.7 -7.9

+7.5 +9.7

Error (dB)

200 MHz 500 MHz 1.0 GHz 2.0 GHz

Ave. Max. Ave. Max. Ave. Max. Ave. Max.

± 0.05 ± 0.05 ± 0.05 ± 0.10

± 0.10 ± 0.10 ± 0.10 ± 0.10

±0.05 ±0.05 ±0.05 ± 0.10

± 0.20 ± 0.20 ± 0.20 ± 0.20

± 0.40 ± 0.40 ± 0.40 ± 0.50

-3.4 -6.7 -1 .5 -3.4 -1.1 -2.2 -1.3 -1 .7

+ 1.0

± 6 .0 ± 3 .0 ± 2. 5 ± 1 • 5

±0.2 ±0.5 ±0.2 ±0.5 ±0.2 ±1 .5 ±0.3 ±1 .0

±6.2 ±6.5 ±3.2 ±3.5 ±2.7 ±4.0 ±1.8 ±2.5

-2.0

+2.0

-2.0

+6 .

0

-2.0

+2.0

-2.0

+4.5

-2.0

+2.0

-2.0

+3.0

-2.0

+2.0

-2.0

+3.0

-12 -15.6

+8.6+12.9

-7.1

+5.6

-9.3

+8.4

-6.2

+5.1

-8.6

+7.4

-5.6

+4.3

-6.7

+6 .

0

-7.4 -9.6

+6.5 +8.9

-4.1

+3 • 8

-5.3

+5.3

-3.6

+3.4

-5.0

+5.0

-3.0

+2.7

-3.7

+3.9

-9.2 -9.5

+9.2+13.5

-6.2

+6.2

-6.5

+9.0

-5.7

+5.7

-7.0

+8.0

-4.8

+4.8

-5.5

+6.5

-6.6 -6.9

+6.6 +8.7

-3.9

+ 3.9

-4.2

+5.8

-3.5

+3.5

-4.6

+5.1

-2.9

+2.9

-3.4

+4.0

34
Table 4. Summary and estimates of measurement uncertainties for determining

field strength inside NSWC reverberation chambers - Mode Stirred

(1.0 GHz - 18.0 GHz)

Error (dB)

Source of Error 1.0 GHz 2.0 GHz 4.0 GHz 8.0 GHz 12.0 GHz 18.0 GHz

Ave . Max. Ave. Max. Ave. Max. Ave. Max. Ave. Max. Ave. Max.

la. Received Power

Cable Loss ± 0.05 ± 0.10 ± 0.10 ± 0.15 ± 0.15 ± 0.20

Atten. Calibration ± 0.10 ± 0.10 ± 0.15 ± 0.15 ± 0.20 ±0.20

Antenna Efficiency ± 0.05 ± 0.10 ± 0.15 ± 0.15 ± 0.20 ± 0.20

Spec. Analyzer Cal. ±1.00 ± 1 .00 ± 1 .50 ±1.50 ± 1 .50 ± 1 .50

Sub Total ± 1 .20 ±1.30 ±1.90 ± 1 .95 ±2.05 ± 2.10

Mismatch -1 .3 -2.4 -1 .2 -1 .7 -0.8 -1 .3 -1 .5 -1 .7 -0.5 -1.0

1b. E-Field Meas.

1 cm Dipole Probe ± 1 .0 ± 1 .0 ± 1 .5 ± 1 .5 ± 2.0 ± 2.0

2. Sampling

Efficiency

Spatial Field Var.

Limited Sample Size

± 2.5 ± 1.5 ± 1 .0 ± 0.5 ± 0.5 ± 0.5

(see [1 ]) ±0.1 ±0.2 ±0.1 ±0.3 ±0.2 ±0.5 ±0.3 ±0.7 ±0.3 ±1 .0 ±0.3 ±1 -5

Sub Total ±2.6 ±2.7 ±1.6 ±1.8 ±1 .2 ±1 .5 ±0.8 ±1 .5 ±0.8 ±1 .5 ±0.8 ±2.2

3. Wave Imped * 1

2

Ott Average C\1

VII +1 0, -2.0 ^ Maximum ^ +3. 0

4. Input Power Var. -1.3 -2.4 -1 .2 -1 .7 -0.8 -1 .3 -1 . 6 -0 .5 -1

.

0

EByField Determined

Receiving Ant.

Total Worst

Case Error

-8.4-

+5.8

•10.7

+6.9

-7.3

+4.9

-8.5

+6 .

1

-6.7

+5.1

-8.0

+6.4

-7.9

+4.8

-8.8

+6.5

-5.9

+4.9

-6.6

+6 .

6

-6.9

+6.9

-8.3

+7.3

RSS Error -4.0

+3.5

-4.9

+4.2

-3.3

+2.9

-3.8

+3.7

-3.2

+2.9

-3.6

+3.9

-3.6

+2.9

-3.9

+3.9

-3.1

+3.0

-3.3

+ 3.9

-3.3

+3.0

-3.9

+4.3

E-Field Determined

By Dipole Probe

Total Worst

Case Error

-6.9

+5.6

-8.9

+6.7

-5.8

+4.6

-6.5

+5.8

-5.5

+4.7

-6.3

+6.0

-5.9

+4.3

-6.6

+6 .

0

-5.3 -6.0

+4 .8 +6.5

-5.8 -7.2

+4.8 +7.2

RSS Error -3.7

+3.4

-4.3

+4.2

-3.0

+2.8

-3.3

+3 • 6

-2.9

+2.8

-3.2

+3.7

-3.1

+2 .

6

-3.3

+3.7

-3.0 -3.2

+2.9 +3.9

-3.1 -3.7

+2.9 +4.2

35
Table 5. Estimates of impedance mismatch uncertainties for received power

measurements for NSWC reverberation chambers

VSWR

Frequency Source

GHz Ave Max

0.1 10.0 40.0

0.15 8.0 25.0

0.2 6.0 15.0

0.3 14.0 10.0

0.5 3.0 6.0

1 .0 2.5 4.0

1 .0 2.5 4.0

2.0 2.5 3.0

M.O 2.0 2.5

8.0 2.8 3.0

12.0 1.5 1.5

18.0 1.8 1.8

Mismatch Error

Load

Max

(dB)

Ave Max

1.10 -5.15 -10.6

1.10 -4.36 -8.68

1.10 -3.40 -6.67

1.10 -2.19 -5.15

1.10 -1.46 -3.40

1.10 -1 .07 -2.19

1 .20 -1 .25 -2.44

1 .20 -1.25 -1.67

1 .20 -0.81 -1 .25

1.20 -1.51 -1 .67

1 .30 -0.48 -0.48

1 .50 -1 .03 -1.03

36
MBS- 11 4 A .'REV. 2 -BC> U.S. DEPT. OF COMM.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET (See instructions)

1. PUBLICATION OR

REPORT NO.

NBSIR 86-3051

2. Performing Organ. Report No 3. Publication Date June 1986

4 . TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Electromagnetic Radiation Test Facilities Evaluation of Reverberation Chambers

Located at NSWC, Dahlgren, Virginia

5. AUTHOR(S) Myron L. Crawford and Galen H. Koepke

6 . PERFORMING ORGANIZATION (If joint or other than NBS. see instructions)

national bureau of standards

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

7. Contract/Grant No.

8. Type of Report & Period Covered

9. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street. City. State, ZIP)

10. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FIPS Software Summary, is attached. This report describes measurement procedures and results obtained from evaluating the

reverberation chamber facilities located at the Naval Surface Weapons Center (NSWC),

Dahlgren, Virginia. The two chambers tested are referred to as 1) the half chamber,

and 2) the full chamber. The facilities were developed by the NSWC for use in

measuring and analyzing the electromagnetic susceptibil ity/ vulnerabil ity (EMS/V) of

weapon systems and the shielding effectiveness of enclosures and shielding materials.

A brief description of each facility is given including the instrumentation used for

performing the evaluation and calibration of the facilities by the National Bureau of

Standards (NBS). Measurements described include: 1) evaluation of the chambers'

transmitting and receiving antennas' voltage standing wave ratios; 2) measurement of

the chambers' insertion loss or coupling efficiency versus frequency; 3) measurement

of the chambers' tuner effectiveness; 4) determination of the E-field uniformity in

the chambers' test zones versus frequency; 5) determination of the absolute amplitude

calibration of the test E-fields in the chambers based upon the reference antennas

received power measurements and calibrated dipole probe antenna measurements; and 6)

comparison of reference equipment under test (EUT) responses to test fields

established inside the NSWC reverberation chambers and the NBS reverberation chamber.

These results can then be compared to anechoic chamber results. Conclusions given

indicate that the NSWC chambers can be used at frequencies down to approximately 150

MHz. Estimates are given of the measurement uncertainties derived empirically from

the test results.

12. KEY WORDS (Six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only proper names; and separate key words by semicolonn

electromagnetic radiated susceptibility/vulnerability; reverberation chamber

13. AVAILABILITY

1 xl Uni imited

| | For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

5] Order From Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

20402. Q3 Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, VA. 22161

14. NO. OF

PRINTED PAGES

^4

15. Price