NIST Launches New Calibration Service for Horn Antennas
The service significantly reduces gain uncertainty for antennas used in the 1 to 18 gigahertz frequency range.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Mathematics
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The NIST Communications Technology Laboratory has introduced a calibration service for dual-ridge horn antennas that reduces gain uncertainty to 0.07 decibels. This new service, identified as SKU63102S, covers the 1 to 18 gigahertz frequency range.
Why it matters
Uncalibrated dual-ridge horn antennas typically suffer from high gain uncertainty due to multipath reflections. By minimizing this uncertainty, the new service provides a more efficient alternative to standard gain horn antennas that usually require 20 reference units to cover the same frequency range.
The new service reduces gain uncertainty to plus or minus 0.07 decibels, a significant improvement over the 1 to 2 decibels found in uncalibrated dual-ridge horn antennas. Researchers utilize the dual-robot Large Antenna Positioning System to achieve these measurements.
The players
NIST Communications Technology Laboratory
This is a federal research organization focused on advancing measurement science and standards for communications technology.
The details
To achieve these precise results, researchers employ a dual-robot Large Antenna Positioning System that moves antenna pairs into kinematically calibrated poses. This multi-robot motion effectively stirs echoes against anechoic foam walls to allow for accurate averaging during the calibration process.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: NIST announced the new antenna calibration service.
The Big Picture
This development represents a shift toward more efficient metrology practices that modernize how antenna gain is validated. It marks a departure from traditional setups that rely on large arrays of reference antennas, effectively streamlining the measurement process for modern wireless technologies.
Engineers and manufacturers using horn antennas in high-frequency applications can now achieve greater measurement precision without needing twenty separate reference antennas. This streamlined calibration can lead to more reliable equipment testing and improved performance in wireless communications development.
The takeaway
The introduction of SKU63102S simplifies the complex process of verifying antenna gain across a wide frequency spectrum. Researchers and industry professionals can now rely on a singular, highly accurate service to reduce uncertainty in their testing workflows.
Further reading
For broader context on metrology standards, visit the Mathematics section.
More information
To view the service details, visit the NIST calibration service shop portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NIST.
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