Munich 5月 07, 2026

Rohde & Schwarz and Greenerwave achieve precise and fast ESA antenna characterization using near-field technology

A joint measurement trial, Rohde & Schwarz and Greenerwave have demonstrated that a near-field system can record a full radiation pattern of a 50 cm Ku band electronically steerable array for a SATCOM antenna in just half an hour. The achieved results match simulation models within a decibel, making this approach a fast and reliable way to verify antenna performance. For manufacturers of SATCOM systems facing large chamber constraints, it offers a clear path to quicker, more cost-effective testing.

Electronically steerable array (ESA) antennas are becoming key components in modern SATCOM systems. Accurate knowledge of their radiation pattern is required for reliable operation in LEO, MEO and GEO orbits. However, conventional far‑field testing demands chambers that are often larger than practical for Ku or Ka band antennas, especially when the aperture of the Antenna Under Test (AUT) reaches half a meter or more. Compact Antenna Test Ranges (CATR), on the other hand, are still relatively large for these AUTs and require time-consuming dual-axis positioning of AUT to map the radiation pattern.

Rohde & Schwarz and Greenerwave have reached a breakthrough in ESA antenna testing in a recent joint measurement trial, achieving highly accurate radiation pattern characterization in the near-field, significantly reducing measurement time. Greenerwave’s innovative SATCOM user terminals are based on reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), allowing the company to design electronically steerable antennas that deliver high-performance connectivity while reducing energy consumption and reliance on semiconductors compared with conventional solutions.

For the joint measurement campaign, T&M expert Rohde & Schwarz provided its R&S®TS8991 over‑the‑air and antenna measurement system, equipped with a conical cut positioner, and its R&S®ZNA vector network analyzer. Together, they evaluated Greenerwave’s passive single‑aperture ESA that uses RIS technology for beamforming. The antenna under test (AUT) features a 50 x 50 cm aperture and is designed for low power consumption and easy integration.

The measurement covered an extended upper hemisphere down to a polar angle of 120 degrees, using a one-degree step size. Ten Ku band frequencies were recorded in a total of 32 minutes, thanks to the system’s hardware trigger function. Data was processed using the R&S®AMS32 antenna measurement software, which applied a FIAFTA near-field-to-far-field transformation algorithm.

Comparison with the original simulation based on a numerical twin model and with results from Greenerwave’s CATR setup showed peak gain or directivity variations of max. 1 dB and typically 0.3 dB, validating the accuracy of the near-field solution. Export options allow users to continue analysis in tools such as CST Microwave Studio or MATLAB.

The trial shows that even large SATCOM antennas can be characterized quickly and accurately with the R&S TS8991 antenna test system from Rohde & Schwarz in a near-field setup, providing a practical alternative to large-sized far-field chambers or CATRs. This system setup can be used by other SATCOM makers testing broadband, IoT or back haul antennas for applications requiring flexible beam control and high data rates. The setup can be integrated more easily into research lab environments, and it shortens test cycles, reducing overall development cost.

For more information on satellite testing solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/solutions/satellite-testing/satellite-testing_233626.html

Additional graphic for download, caption: Radiation pattern for config 0 (measured vs. modelled with numerical twin model).

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Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 3.16 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2025, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 15,000 employees worldwide.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

Rohde & Schwarz Aerospace and Defense Testing

Rohde & Schwarz offers an extensive product range for testing radar, electronic warfare, satellite, navigation, guidance, military radiocommunications and radio monitoring systems in all relevant frequency bands. Outstanding performance and application-tailored measurement functions address the specific needs of the A&D sector in R&D, validation, production and in the field. This includes RF and microwave T&M instruments for lab and field measurements, turn-key systems, a full range of EMC measuring equipment as well as antennas and RF accessories. Sustainable product strategies ensure that Rohde & Schwarz products keep up with advances in technology throughout the long lifecycles customary.

Greenerwave

Greenerwave is a deeptech company with operations in Paris, Toulouse, and Sophia Antipolis. Pioneer in next-generation satellite communication user terminals, it leverages a unique expertise in electromagnetic wave control. At the core of its innovation lie reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), combined with advanced physics-inspired algorithms that enable efficient, dynamic, real-time steering of signal-carrying waves. This novel approach allows the company to design electronically steerable antennas that deliver high-performance connectivity while reducing energy consumption and reliance on semiconductors compared with conventional solutions.

Multi-orbit and cost-effective, Greenerwave’s SATCOM terminals address the growing demand for secure, sovereign, and resilient connectivity by combining flexibility, efficiency, technological agnosticism, and reliability. Beyond SATCOM, the company also applies its unique expertise to other strategic sectors, driving innovation in telecommunications and sensing. https://www.greenerwave.com/
Press contacts at Greenerwave:
Stéphane Laurain — stephane@edifice-communication.com — +33(0)6 98 58 38 35
Ilinca Spita — ilinca@edifice-communication.com — +33(0)6 64 75 12 98