Accurate antenna measurements are essential for the development, verification, and qualification of modern wireless, aerospace, satellite, defense, and communication systems. As antenna technologies continue to evolve toward higher frequencies, wider bandwidths, electronically steered arrays, integrated platforms, and over-the-air system testing, the need for well-defined, traceable, and technically sound measurement practices becomes increasingly important.

This short course provides an introduction to antenna measurement practices in accordance with IEEE Std 1720 and IEEE Std 149, as promoted by the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Standards Committee. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical implementation guidance, emphasizing range and method selection, measurement objectives, accuracy requirements, traceability, and uncertainty evaluation. Contributors directly involved in the development of these standards will present key clauses, explain their technical rationale, and share practical insights into current best practices.

The course will introduce the principal antenna measurement methods covered by the IEEE standards, including near-field measurement techniques with regular and non-regular scanning and transformation approaches, as well as far-field measurement methods based on direct and indirect techniques such as compact antenna test ranges and plane wave generator systems. The respective strengths, limitations, and application areas of each method will be discussed, with emphasis on how to select an appropriate measurement approach based on the antenna under test, frequency range, required accuracy, and available facility constraints.

Participants will also receive an introductory overview of over-the-air measurement techniques, radar cross section measurement fundamentals, anechoic chamber and absorber requirements, advanced post-processing methods for data correction, transformation, and imaging, and the role of uncertainty estimation and traceability in antenna measurement practice. While the course will cover the major topics addressed in IEEE Std 1720 and IEEE Std 149, selected sections will be presented by invited experts who contributed as working group leaders to the development of these standards.

The course is intended both for students and engineers seeking an entry point into the field of antenna measurements and for experienced practitioners interested in an updated overview of modern measurement techniques and best practices as reflected in the IEEE antenna measurement standards. A basic understanding of electromagnetic theory and measurement principles is helpful but not required.

At the end of the short course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the scope and purpose of IEEE Std 1720 and IEEE Std 149 and their relevance to antenna measurement practice.
• Identify the main near-field and far-field antenna measurement techniques and understand their respective advantages, limitations, and areas of application.
• Select appropriate measurement methods based on antenna characteristics, measurement objectives, accuracy requirements, and facility constraints.
• Recognize the importance of traceability, uncertainty estimation, and measurement validation in achieving reliable antenna measurement results.
• Gain awareness of related topics including OTA testing, RCS measurements, anechoic chamber design, absorber requirements, and advanced post-processing techniques.

This course forms part of the IEEE APS Standards Committee outreach initiative to promote awareness and adoption of IEEE antenna measurement standards. A limited number of copies of IEEE Std 149, donated by the IEEE APS Standards Committee, will be awarded to attendees through a lottery at the conclusion of the course.