ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates measurement techniques specific to antennas mounted on and in vehicles. Spatial orientation of the electric field radiated by a transmitting antenna determines polarization. An antenna under test can be measured in transmitting or receiving regime. The typical polarization types for automotive antennas are linear, right hand circle and left hand circle. To measure directionality of a receiving antenna for specific polarization, the transmitting antenna must be used with the same requested polarized wave orientation. When a passive antenna with a radio frequency cable is power matched with a car receiver, the power received by the antenna is transferred to the receiver load without reflections between antenna and receiver. Radio frequency cables connect antennas to receivers. Cable length varies, depending on the antenna location on or in a car. Blue, brown, yellow, white, or black housings with different locks provide connections in different frequency ranges.
