A microwave radome performance verification gauge

A microwave radome gauge (MWRG) design for verification of the microwave properties of a radome is presented. A mathematical model is developed, and calculated and measured results are compared. These results indicate that the MWRG is relatively insensitive to its flange (choke) dimensions and the radiation resistance of the slot antenna formed by the flange and conducting foil that enclose the radome. The resonant frequency of the device shifts about 0.1 percent for a 1 percent change in the radome's core thickness, or dielectric constant, and about 0.01 percent for a 1 percent change in sheet thickness. The tool is virtually insensitive to a change in loss tangent of radome sheet material. Use of the MWRG shows that this test procedure is a satisfactory method of verifying an RF window's performance prior to shipment and installation with the antenna assembly.