DTU-ESA Standard Gain Horn Facility

The DTU-ESA Standard Gain Horn Facility comprises 23 Standard Gain Horns (SGH) in the frequency range from 1.7GHz to 40.0GHz. The SGHs are Scientific Atlanta pyramidal horns with waveguide ports and matching coax-waveguide transitions. The SGHs are kept calibrated at the DTU-ESA Facility and offered to customers on a lease base.

Guidelines for use of SGHs 

The SGHs are carefully calibrated to establish an accurate gain standard. It is recommended to follow the IEEE Standard 149-1979 (chapter 12) to get the most out of the gain measurements.

Prior to requesting the lease of a SGH it is advised to clarify the mounting interface, frequency range, SGH dimensions, connector compatibility, etc. With respect to the frequencies: determine which frequencies you need and check with available data. Note that data is only available at the frequencies given in the data files. The SGHs should be used in the correct configuration, i.e. farfield conditions and the similar absorber configuration as they were calibrated in. Absorber configuration and coordinate system definition for is included with the handling instructions for the SGH.

The data for SGHs are presented as on-axis directivity and loss as well as the relative loss for the coax-waveguide transitions. Gain is obtained by subtracting the appropriate loss from the directivity. 

Terms and conditions for lease of SGHs 

SGHs are leased under the terms and conditions as presented on this page.

• All SGH leases are agreed upon individually.
• Proper handling and care is the responsibility of the lessee during the lease period (including safe transport back to DTU).
• The SGHs may only be used indoor or in a controlled environment protected from wind, downpour and excessive dust.
• Any damage to the SGHs or transitions must be reported to DTU immediately.
• The horns must be returned to DTU within the agreed lease time. Optionally the lease may be extended for an additional cost.
• The SGHs may not be lend/leased out to another institution/company.
• The horns are shipped with a matching coax-waveguide transition with N or SMA connector. An additional N-SMA adaptor is also shipped on request.

Procedure for lease of SGH

The price for leasing a single SGH for a period of 2 weeks is agreed individually. For an additional fee, a calibration report including radiation patterns can be made available.

In order to request a SGH lease use our contact details. Please provide the following information:

• Your address, organization and contact person.
• Preferred date and duration for the lease.
• Frequency band (note that the SGHs are only calibrated at discrete frequencies). 

Once a lease has been agreed upon DTU will ship the SGH with handling instructions and the calibration data included. Upon arrival, please inspect the contents of the box.

Availability 

The available data for each horn comprises:

• On-axis co-polar directivity.
• On-axis polarization (axial ratio and tilt angle).
• Loss in horn and in coax-wave guide transition.
• Phase center location