The Antenna Podcast Ep 13: The Hidden Science Behind Accurate Antenna Measurements

In this episode of The Antenna Podcast, host Dermot O’Shea is joined by Lars Jakob Foged, Vice President of Research & Development at Microwave Vision Group (MVG), for an in‑depth conversation on antenna measurement, validation, and real‑world performance. Recorded during EUCAP (the European Conference on Antennas and Propagation), the discussion reflects the latest thinking from one of the industry’s most experienced leaders in antenna measurement systems. EUCAP is a major international conference that brings together antenna and RF experts from academia and industry, and Dermot attended in person to capture technical conversations directly from the event. Lars shares his career journey from early work on satellite antenna design for European broadcast systems, through consulting roles in the space industry, to leading R&D at MVG. Drawing on decades of hands‑on experience, he explains why antenna measurement is a critical counterpart to theory and simulation - particularly as antenna systems become more complex, integrated, and performance‑driven. The episode explores: Designing and validating space‑based reflector antennas, including dual‑polarized and shaped reflector systems Practical challenges such as thermal distortion, mechanical constraints, and material variation The limitations of simulation alone and why measurement remains essential How MVG has developed techniques to convert measured data into electromagnetic models using equivalent currents Using measured antenna models to study antenna placement, interaction, and co‑existence on platforms such as satellites, vehicles, and devices Advances in over‑the‑air (OTA) testing, passive and active measurements, and system‑level validation The growing importance of radar cross section (RCS) measurements in both defense and civil applications Emerging measurement approaches, including compact far‑field testing and plane wave generation, aimed at better replicating real‑world conditions in the lab Beyond the technology, Lars also reflects on engineering culture, mentoring young engineers, and building innovative, collaborative teams within an international organization like MVG. This episode offers valuable insight for antenna engineers, RF designers, measurement specialists, and anyone interested in how modern measurement techniques are shaping the future of antenna design and deployment.