Anechoic chambers were used to refer to acoustic anechoic chambers. In recent times, the term has been used to define RF anechoic chambers. These chambers eliminate internal reflection and any external noise caused by electromagnetic waves.
A millimeter-wave anechoic chamber is used to perform various antenna measurements, electromagnetic compatibility measurements, and electromagnetic interference measurements. These chambers are crucial in the 5G and mm-wave technology.
What is a millimeter-wave anechoic chamber?
Millimeter-Wave Anechoic Chamber is a shielded environmentally controlled room that contains radio-wave absorbing material. The material is applied on the walls, floor, and ceiling and is meant for advanced millimeter-wave signal testing and isolating radio frequencies from outside. They are used today for performing EMC measurements according to published standards. These standards differ in requirements and chambers as they are developed and published worldwide by different organizations.
Millimeter-Wave technology has been in existence for the past 30-50 years but is only gaining recognition. Serious progressions have been made in the recent few years as knowledge of their existence expands. Such advancements have made it easier for people to find and apply this technology anywhere. Examples of places where the chamber is applied for commercial use include radar systems, military, cell backhaul communications, rocket propulsion systems, and medicine.
Why you need an mm-wave anechoic chamber?
mm-wave anechoic chambers are crucial to most tech-savvy companies and people who deal with RF test solutions. There are many reasons why these chambers are needed. They are an isolated RF environment that is not disturbed by the external environment. The chamber contains materials that line the surfaces of the room. They are important, and some of the reasons are:
• Safety purposes- the mm-wave chambers are fully lined with RF absorbers that make it a safe environment to conduct radio wave testing. They are a controlled environment well equipped to deal with
• mm-wave anechoic chambers are needed when testing microwave frequencies as they are a sealed environment. It helps avoid emissions of hazardous fumes into the atmosphere.
How to choose a millimeter-wave anechoic chamber?
When choosing a mm-wave anechoic chamber, you have to consider certain factors. These include:
• Consider the required standards. Different methods and criteria for validating chambers, test distances, emission limits, equipment setups, field levels, pass criteria, and performing EMC measurements for testing immunity are standardized. Despite this, some standards may be vague, and it is good to consult with the appropriate standard developers to understand better.
• It is good to consider the shielding specifications. The user defines these shield attenuation levels. Understanding the Microwave Pyramidal Absorber, the Fertile tile, and Hybrid absorber will enable you to choose the right chamber.
• Absorber power handling. It is important to review the power handling capability since exceeding power might result in the emission of hazardous fumes, possible fire, or destruction of the material.
• The size and quality of the door. It influences the overall cost and performance of a shielded room and RF filtering for electrical data.
• The antenna technology.
• The type of chamber. By understanding the types available and what they are primarily used for, you will choose the chamber that best suits your needs.
