The EMBox Lab from Anyfields has been introduced into the RF laboratory at ENSEEIHT (National Higher School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, Hydraulics, and Telecommunications) in Toulouse. This practical antenna measurement tool allows Dr. Nathalie Raveu specialist in high-frequency electronics, and her students to explore electromagnetic phenomena through clear, measurable, and highly visual demonstrations that enhance understanding of complex RF concepts.

Practical antenna measurement for student learning

From the antenna to the measurement results

Dr. Nathalie Raveu selected two antennas for testing that day: a single-patch and a 4x1 patch array configuration. The EMBox Lab delivered immediate results, displayed in few seconds. The fast measurement process allowed several configurations to be analyzed within one class session, enabling students to easily compare both antennas and observe their differences in radiation behavior.

From theory to reality

"The EMBox Lab makes electromagnetic phenomena tangible for students. For first-year students, it provides a clear visual understanding of radiation and field behavior. Advanced students can use it to characterize antennas, visualize hot spots through mapping, and measure key parameters such as gain, radiation patterns, and reflection coefficients. Seeing the field establish in real time greatly enhances comprehension at all levels."
— Dr. Nathalie Raveu, specialist in high-frequency electronics at ENSEEIHT

Making antenna theory tangible

A live antenna measurement demonstration

During the classroom session, the EMBox Lab served as a complete radiofrequency test and measurement setup, enabling the visualization of radiation patterns and electromagnetic behavior.

A practical tool for the main principles of radiofrequency

Students can use the system to explore several core principles:

• The radiation variation by changing the measurement distance

• The behavior of electromagnetic fields when power is transmitted

• The graphical representation of gain and HPBW

• The validation by comparing the measurement with a simulation

Teaching antenna concepts

From equations to tangible experiments

The system allows students to observe and interpret electromagnetic fields in real time, transforming theoretical concepts into measurable physical phenomena.

Dr. Nathalie Raveu, highlights “One of the main objectives of integrating the EMBox Lab into teaching activities is to illustrate how electromagnetic fields evolve in space. Students can directly observe how the field distribution changes with distance, stabilizing at far-field conditions, and how the radiation pattern becomes focused and symmetric.”

An educational tool for understanding antennas

Students emphasised the effectiveness of the practical approach, stating that the demonstrations were clear and engaging. They reported comments such as, “The explanations were very clear,” “It was interesting to see how the radiation pattern changed,” or “It helped to better understand the behavior of the electromagnetic field.”

Enhancing engineering pedagogy

Essential tools for antenna engineers

The introduction of the EMBox Lab supports a practical learning approach in electromagnetics education. By combining theoretical instruction with direct measurement and visualization, the tool is particularly relevant for courses related to radio frequencies and antennas, such as classes on guided propagation or electromagnetism for example.

Practical teaching equipment

This practical teaching equipment contributes to bridging the gap between simulation-based coursework and experimental experience. Its compact format, user-friendly interface, and quick setup make it suitable for integration into university laboratory sessions.

About EMBox Lab

EMBox Lab is a compact RF test equipment and measurement system designed for education and research in antenna and electromagnetic field studies. This educational tool allows:

• Real-time measurement of radiation patterns and field distributions.

• Comparison of different antenna types and configurations.

• Visualization of electromagnetic propagation.

• Safe and repeatable testing within an academic environment.

Its compact design is intended to facilitate antenna measurement demonstrations in engineering lab, promoting a practical understanding of electromagnetic theory.