Open area test site (OATS) development

Wright, Shayne (2004) Open area test site (OATS) development. [USQ Project]

Preview

PDF ShayneWRIGHT-2004.pdf Download (65MB)

Abstract

'An ideal Open Area Test Site consists of an infinite, perfectly conducting ground plane which is free from any obstruction and with no ambient electromagnetic noise, over which the test frequency is radiated' (Coates
2004).

This project investigates the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying (FOES) 5th floor landing for its suitability as an Open Area Test Site (OATS). The main Australian
standard to be applied is AS/NZS CISPR 16.1:2002 - Specification for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and methods.
Compliance with the Australian standard AS/NZS CISPR 16.1:2002 is used to ensure conformity across all certified sites. This standard applies to the frequency range of
30MHZ to 1GHz and seeks to replicate a perfect system in free space. As this is a
theoretical possibility only, tolerances are institutionalised in the form of standards to
allow their uniformity. It is also recognised that compliance across the entire spectrum is highly unlikely and therefore partial compliance in the frequency domain is another option available. These two levels are referred to as a Calibration Test Site (CALTS) and a Compliance Test Site (COMTS).
This dissertation discusses why the OATS should be developed and the roles that it can serve in. It looks at the issues of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and
electromagnetic interference (EMI). The impact this is having on the world today and what can be done with an OATS to help improve the situation.

In order to understand what the OATS is capable of, it is best that users comprehend the principles behind the sites operation. The subject matter of OATS theory is presented
and covers the types of EMI, phase centre (PC) variation of antenna, near and far field boundaries, antenna factors (AF), ground reference planes, multipath propagation,
wave reflections and statistical uncertainties. Consideration is also given to environmental sustainability and ethical responsibilities. The practicality of the site
is discussed in the context of Australian standards. The standards are looked at individually for their contribution in the overall development of the site. The OATS
is then assessed for indicative parameters such as physical site influences, equipment limitations, spectral allocation and legal responsibilities.
The site validation procedure developed for this project is presented in detail. This includes the combination of several site modifications and the methodology behind each configuration. The determination of test equipment correction factors (CF) and the correct implementation is introduced. Methodology concerning derivation of the factors
for specific equipment configurations and their limitations is presented. Modelling of data outside of these designated datum's is developed through a theoretical model
and the accuracy of this model is considered. Test data sheets are available in a spreadsheet format (on dissertation CD and Appendix D) that enables data collation
to be standardised between users. Support is provided in the form of a series of test data sheet 'walk throughs' enabling data entry, collation and graphical formatting of
results.
Results from periodical testing throughout 2004 are catalogued. These results are presented in a series of graphs. The results discussion considers the impact of site modifications and the overall conformity of the OATS.
The dissertation concludes with the technical results obtained. Specifically that the site is classified as a compliant test site (COMTS) for the region of 60MHZ to 85MHz in a variety of polarisations. Achievement of the years objectives are discussed along with the possibilities of future works concerning the OATS.

Statistics for this ePrint Item

Item Type:	USQ Project
Refereed:	No
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	Additional appendices available on CD-ROM held in USQ library
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Faculty of Engineering and Surveying - Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (Up to 30 Jun 2013)
Date Deposited:	11 Oct 2007 00:13
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2013 22:30
Uncontrolled Keywords:	open area test site (OATS), radio disturbance, immunity measuring apparatus and methods, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), Calibration Test Site (CALTS), Compliance Test Site (COMTS), MATLAB
Fields of Research (2008):	09 Engineering > 0999 Other Engineering > 099902 Engineering Instrumentation 10 Technology > 1099 Other Technology > 109999 Technology not elsewhere classified
Fields of Research (2020):	40 ENGINEERING > 4099 Other engineering > 409902 Engineering instrumentation 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3106 Industrial biotechnology > 310699 Industrial biotechnology not elsewhere classified
URI:	https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/47

Actions (login required)

Archive Repository Staff Only