OpenEM – Electromagnetic field mapping robot for microwave and RF measurements

Abstract

A low-cost, fully automated, electromagnetic field probing robot is described in this paper. The platform, called OpenEM Field Robot, is capable of mapping the spatial electromagnetic fields in free space. The system supports multiple antenna configurations and is scalable to large measurement domains. 3D printed antenna holders are also incorporated in order to allow for the near field measurements with minimal scattering and interference with the measurement. The goal of the system is to design a fully integrated platform for measuring electromagnetic fields that can be used with various other RF measurement devices and is configurable and easily modified for various applications in scientific research and education. Keywords: Electromagnetic field measurement, Microwave, RF, Field measurement