Search for suitability of relatively narrow test sites for antenna calibration according to ANSI C63.5-2006 standard site method – A case study in Istanbul-Turkey

•Possibility to use “limited size” EMC product test sites for antenna calibrations.•Detailed examination of a narrow OATS about its suitability for calibrations.•Suitability check of the OATS for calibrations via a site validation process.•Detailed uncertainty analysis and comparative calibration results.•Biconical and log-periodic antenna calibrations (30 MHz–1 GHz frequency range). In today’s world, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests are of primary significance, increasing the importance of accurate measuring of EMC antenna factors. The standards for antenna calibrations require near-ideal conditions as empty space above ground plane with very large dimensions. We investigate the possibility to use the open-area test site (OATS) of Turkish Standard Institution (TSE) for antenna calibrations, which is generally used for EMC product tests. Although the physical dimensions of the site are limited and the dominating component in the overall uncertainty is the one due to site conditions, the measurements and the uncertainty budget put forth that the site can be used for calibrations according to ANSI-C63.5-2006. We hope this study will be significant in directing experimenters to consider the aspect that one should not expect near-ideal conditions to start the calibration process. In this context, a detailed uncertainty analysis is performed together with a site validation process.