Let's jump right into it.

An antenna radiation pattern is a representation of the radiation characteristics of an antenna.

It describes how an antenna radiates energy into space in different directions.

While antenna simulation can provide very accurate results, measurement is the ultimate verification of an antenna's performance.

There are two methods for radiation pattern measurement, far field and near field.

The near field method requires complicated mathematics while usually being less precise.

Therefore, we'll skip it for now and concentrate on the easier to understand far field measurement technique.

As is the case when measuring antenna gain, we need specialized equipment.

A signal generator connected to a source antenna, a positioning system to precisely aim the antenna being measured in various directions, which is connected to a signal detector.

The positioning system is used to rotate the antenna to different angles relative to the receiver, while the receiver measures the receive power and then signal strength is recorded at each angle.

The data is then processed so that the maximum value of all data points is zero to get a normalized radiation pattern.

These points are then graphed on a polar plot to create the visual representation we're all familiar with.

This is usually done in the azimuth and elevation plane as these are most commonly used in antenna documentation.

However, for a full 3D radiation diagram, the antenna has to be measured in many more points which takes a considerable amount of time.

Well, that's it for today.

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