Antenna Measurement Chambers in the 5G Era: What to Look For
Higher frequencies have made antenna measurements more sensitive. What to look for when choosing a measurement chamber.
3 min readJuly 29, 2026
Why Is FR2 Different?
5G's second frequency range (FR2) covers millimeter-wave bands above 24 GHz. At these frequencies the wavelength drops to a few millimeters; small imperfections in cables, connectors and even test fixtures noticeably affect the measurement.
In FR2 devices the antenna is also often embedded in a single module together with the radio chip. Since you can't connect a cable to the antenna, the whole measurement must be done over the air, the OTA method.
Path Loss and Dynamic Range
At high frequency, signals weaken much faster in air. The distance needed to meet the far-field condition also grows with antenna size and frequency. The measurement system ends up having to capture a very weak signal above the noise.
Compact antenna test range (CATR) systems have become common to solve this. A reflector creates a plane wave over a short distance, allowing far-field measurement without a large chamber.
Choosing Absorbers and the Chamber
At millimeter wave, absorber surface flatness and joints become important. Even a few poorly placed pieces can create measurable reflections. That's why FR2 chambers use fine-structured absorbers optimized for high frequency.
The chamber's shielding must also be sufficient at high frequency; door gaskets and penetrations should be tested at 40 GHz and above. These details are planned from the start in fully anechoic chamber design.
Choosing the Right Investment
Not every company needs the largest chamber. A compact CATR chamber may be enough for R&D teams, and shielded test boxes for quick checks on the production line.
By reviewing your test plan and the parameters you want to measure, we recommend the right chamber size and equipment layout for telecom and 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large should an FR2 chamber be?
With CATR, a chamber a few meters long is often enough. If direct far-field measurement is required, a much longer distance is needed depending on antenna size.
Can an existing FR1 chamber be used for FR2?
Not directly if the absorbers, shielding and measurement system aren't suited to high frequency. Upgrade options are assessed during the survey.
Which parameters does OTA measurement cover?
Total radiated power (TRP), total isotropic sensitivity (TIS), beam steering and EVM are among the parameters measured.
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