Transverse electromagnetic (TEM) system and method of manufacture

A method for forming a support frame for a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) system, the method comprising:

• coupling a lower support structure to a lower plate the lower plate defining a second inner surface and an opposed second outer surface, the second inner surface configured to be oriented toward a TEM test space, the lower support structure extending from the second outer surface of the lower plate;
• positioning side support members above the second inner surface of the lower plate proximate a periphery of the test space, wherein the side support members space the upper plate a distance from the lower plate, and wherein each of the side support members is adjacent to and abuts at least one other of the side support members;
• coupling an upper support structure to an upper plate, the upper plate defining a first inner surface and an opposed first outer surface, the upper support structure extending from the first outer surface of the upper plate;
• and
• positioning the upper plate above the side support members with the first inner surface oriented toward the second inner surface of the lower plate and toward the TEM test space, the TEM test space defined between the first inner surface of the upper plate and the second inner surface of the lower plate.