Far Field Laboratory

Located in the Montara Mountains of San Mateo, our Far-Field Laboratory consists of a 3,000-foot test range with a modern 15,000 square foot receiving station. Laboratory capabilities cover antenna and complete systems evaluation. Two transmitter stations, operating from UHF through L-band, are operated by remote control from the receiving station. RF capabilities include CW, square wave, pulse, frequency and phase modulation. As presently configured, three fully-equipped test stations can accommodate antennas and models up to 30 feet in diameter and 20,000 pounds in weight. With slight modification, these sites can accommodate even larger items. Each station is equipped with a 3-axis positioner mounted on an elevator, controller, superhetrodyne receiver, logarithmic pattern recorder plus a full complement of laboratory instruments used for conventional microwave measurements. Automated test stations are also utilized on the far field range for cost-effective "real time" data evaluation or major data acquisition needs. The building is environmentally controlled and pressurized and equipment is available for moving antennas and mock-ups as large as 30 feet in diameter.