Design Review 1Adrian Gomez

Brian Chamberlin

Cristy Izatt

Background

The Advanced Microwave Ferrite Research (AMFeR) program wishes to fund a team of mechanical engineering students to build a set of test fixtures for its newly proposed antenna anechoic chamber. This chamber will measure approximately 12 feet in length, 9 feet in width and 9 feet in height. Within the chamber exists two positioning units (to be procured): a) a roll-over-azimuth positioning unit for the unit under test (UUT) and b) a polarization positioning unit for the feed antenna

Anechoic Chamber to be built

Problem Definition

Test fixture calibrators are needed for the chamber. By having three-degrees of freedom (i.e., roll, azimuth, and polarization) an antenna pattern can be generated associated with any polarization or polarization plane. However, to make a precise measurement, it is imperative that the UUT and the feed antenna be bore-sight aligned and be true relative to plumb and the horizontal plane. The use of the fixture must also be able to accommodate the different shape and size of both feed and receive antenna.

Deliverables/Limitations

Deliverables:

I.  Two precision calibration fixtures able to accept various feed horn configurations.II.   A detailed procedure manual to instruct anyone on the Advanced Microwave Ferrite Research Program how to use the fixtures.

Limitations:

• Calibration must be able to be done simple and efficient.

• Must not have any type of movement.

• Precise alignment of the antenna.

• A prolonged life span is necessary.

• Fixture material must not interact in any manor with the testing instrumentation.

Complete Chamber

UUT Calibrator

L-Bracket Tower

Anechoic Chamber

Table

Feed Calibrator

UUT Calibrator

Base full assembly

Base explode view

L Bracket with Calibrator

Table

Table

Table with linear runners

Z

Feed Calibrator

Linear Rail

Z

XY

Y

Motor Calibrator

Close up of Bearing

Spring

Bevel Gears

Turnbuckle

Turn Table Clamps

Time Schedule

Cost Report

See Handout

Needs Before End of Summer Term

• Stepper motor schematics - need bolt pattern

• Feed horn to motor mount

• Order all materials

• Alignment verification

• Mirror mount

• Laser mount

• Exact dimensioning - final drawing package

• All stress analysis

• Mid -Term design write up

Benefits

The sponsor, client and  customers will receive easy to use calibration fixtures for the new ECE Microwave Laboratory. The Calibrate This: A Feed Horn design team will receive experience in a real world entry level engineering design project. The design team will also gain knowledge in precision linear motion adjustment. The Capstone design program will receive a gain in reputation for producing workforce ready engineers.

Questions