Over-the-Air (OTA) Testing – important antenna parameters, test system setup and calibration

Future technologies and standards will make over-the-air (OTA) testing mandatory. At the same time, integrated antennas are becoming more common with each development cycle such as for low-cost IoT devices and 5G mmWave devices.

Since measurement requirements will change with OTA testing, engineers need a basic understanding of antennas and antenna measurements.

This paper provides you with extensive knowledge on the following:

• Antennas in general, their parameters and different types, as well as antenna characterization and testing
• The importance and execution of OTA test setup calibration
• General concepts that are valid for any OTA test setup, e.g. in-chamber or lab-bench setups
• Calibration verification
• Array antenna calibration methodologies