Test device for testing an antenna

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a test device for testing an antenna. The test device includes a housing, an antenna module, and a receiving module. The antenna module is disposed below the housing and is configured to hold the antenna, which is coupled to an antenna test apparatus. The receiving module is disposed on the housing and includes a coupling radiating element that is physically separated from the antenna. The receiving module is configured to receive an excitation signal emitted by the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a testing apparatus for testing antennas. Background Technology

[0002] Many modern electronic devices include integrated chips that use antennas for wireless communication with other electronic devices. These integrated chips can use either external antennas or antennas integrated onto the chip. External antennas are external components connected to the integrated chip. Integrated antennas are built into the integrated chip. For example, planar antennas mounted on a high-frequency substrate or high-frequency printed circuit board (HF PCB) are commonly used as integrated antennas (e.g., thin film micro-strip antennas) in high-frequency wireless communication devices (e.g., devices operating in the millimeter (mm) region of the electromagnetic spectrum). Testing these high-frequency antennas has become a challenge in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a testing apparatus is provided for testing an antenna. The testing apparatus includes a housing, an antenna module, and a receiving module. The antenna module is disposed below the housing and is used to hold the antenna, which is coupled to an antenna testing device. The receiving module is disposed on the housing and includes a coupling radiating element, which is physically separated from the antenna. The receiving module is configured to receive excitation signals emitted by the antenna.

[0004] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a testing apparatus is provided for testing an antenna. The testing apparatus includes a housing, an antenna module, a receiving module, and a connecting assembly. The antenna module is used to hold the antenna and is disposed below the housing; the antenna is configured to transmit an excitation signal. The receiving module is disposed on the housing and has a first coupling radiating element coupled to the antenna. A first coupling distance exists between the antenna and the first coupling radiating element. The connecting assembly is disposed between the housing and the receiving module and is configured to transmit the excitation signal to the antenna testing equipment.

[0005] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a test method for testing an antenna, including providing an input signal from an antenna test device to an antenna, the antenna being disposed on an antenna module of the test device; transmitting an excitation signal from the antenna in response to the input signal; receiving the excitation signal through a coupling radiation element of a receiving module of the test device, the receiving module being disposed on the antenna module and the coupling radiation element being physically separated from the antenna; and transmitting the excitation signal from the receiving module to the antenna test device. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in accordance with industry standard practice, many features are not drawn to scale and are only used for illustrative purposes. In fact, the dimensions of the components may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced to clearly demonstrate the features of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a test system in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of a test apparatus in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2B This is an exploded view of a test apparatus in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional view of a test apparatus in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2D This is a side view of a test apparatus in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a perspective view of the receiving module as viewed from different directions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3C This is a bottom view of a substrate and a coupled radiating element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3D This is a bottom view of a receiving module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3E This is a schematic diagram of a first coupled radiating element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of a housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4B This is a perspective view of a housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4C This is a bottom view of the housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an antenna module and antenna according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 6A This is an exploded view of a connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6BThis is a schematic diagram of a second coupling radiation element and connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of connection elements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a connecting element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7C This is a top view of the connecting elements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7D This is a top view of the connecting elements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 7E This is a top view of the connecting elements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 7F This is a schematic diagram of a first guide hole element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of connection elements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of a connecting element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for testing an antenna according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0032] 1: Test apparatus

[0033] 2: Antenna testing equipment

[0034] 100, 100A: Receiver module

[0035] 102: Protrusion

[0036] 104: Fastening components

[0037] 110,442:Substrate

[0038] 1101: Bottom side

[0039] 1102: Top Side

[0040] 120, 120A: First Coupled Radiation Element

[0041] 1201: Coupling Part

[0042] 1202: First Branch

[0043] 1203: First opening groove

[0044] 1204: Second opening groove

[0045] 120A1: Patch

[0046] 120A2: Antenna substrate

[0047] 120A3: Circuit board

[0048] 120A4: Matching root component

[0049] 120A5: Grooving

[0050] 120A6: Floor joint

[0051] 120A7, 120A8: Projector

[0052] 130: Support component

[0053] 132,240: Column

[0054] 134,220,4361,4381: Main body

[0055] 1341: Bottom surface

[0056] 136,254,4363,4383: Opening

[0057] 200: Housing

[0058] 210: Base

[0059] 2201: Top surface

[0060] 230, 230A, 230B, 230C, 230D: Connecting elements

[0061] 230A1, 230B1, 230C1: Side

[0062] 250: Intermediate Connector

[0063] 252: Padding

[0064] 300: Antenna Module

[0065] 310,500: Antenna

[0066] 312:Jig

[0067] 314: Probe

[0068] 316: Circuit Board

[0069] 320: Flexible membrane

[0070] 340, 430: Connectors

[0071] 342: Cable

[0072] 400: Connection Components

[0073] 405: Coupled Circuit

[0074] 4051: First connection branch

[0075] 4052: Second connection branch

[0076] 4053: Third connection branch

[0077] 4054: Fourth connection branch

[0078] 410, 412: Feeding radiation elements

[0079] 4121: Planar patch

[0080] 4122: Grooving

[0081] 420, 448: Second Coupled Radiation Element

[0082] 421, 424, 437, 4392, 449: Lines

[0083] 422, 4391: Guide Hole

[0084] 423: Third Coupled Radiation Element

[0085] 432: First connecting part

[0086] 434: Second connecting part

[0087] 435: Fourth Coupled Radiation Element

[0088] 436: First Intermediate Element

[0089] 4362, 4382: Conductive pillars

[0090] 4364,4384: First side

[0091] 4365,4385: Second side

[0092] 438: Second Intermediate Element

[0093] 444: First guide hole element

[0094] 4441: Part One

[0095] 4442: Part Two

[0096] 4443: Conductor

[0097] 4444: Dielectric layer

[0098] 4445: Conductive barrier

[0099] 4446: Insulation layer

[0100] 446: Second guide hole element

[0101] 600: Method

[0102] 602, 604, 606, 608: Steps

[0103] E: Excitation signal

[0104] F: Feed signal

[0105] G1: First coupling gap

[0106] G2: Second coupling gap

[0107] G3: Third coupling spacing

[0108] G4: Fourth coupling spacing Detailed Implementation

[0109] The following discloses many different embodiments or examples to implement different features of the provided object. Specific examples of elements and their arrangements are described below to illustrate this disclosure. These embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. For example, the specification mentions that a first feature is formed on a second feature, which includes embodiments where the first and second feature are in direct contact, and also includes embodiments where there are other features between the first and second feature, i.e., the first and second feature are not in direct contact. Furthermore, repeated reference numerals or designations may be used in different embodiments; these repetitions are merely for the purpose of clearly describing this disclosure and do not represent a specific relationship between the different embodiments and / or structures discussed.

[0110] Furthermore, spatially related terms may be used, such as "below," "below," "underneath," "above," and "above." These spatially related terms are used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one or more elements or features in the illustration and are intended to cover different orientations of the device including the features. The device may be oriented (rotated 90 degrees or to other orientations), and the spatially related terms used herein can be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0111] The antennas used in today's 5G mobile networks are often integrated-in-the-package (AiP) antennas, which have a higher frequency range than traditional antennas. For example, signals emitted by an AiP antenna are millimeter waves (i.e., wavelengths on the order of millimeters). Antennas are tested during the manufacturing process. Traditional antennas are typically tested using contact-based methods, such as receiving signals emitted by the antenna through a pogo pin in direct contact. However, this contact-based method is not entirely compatible with high-frequency signals.

[0112] Therefore, embodiments relating to a test apparatus for testing antennas having high frequencies are provided in this disclosure. The antenna test apparatus mainly includes a housing, an antenna module for holding the antenna, and a receiving module for receiving signals transmitted from the antenna. Specifically, the antenna and the receiving module are physically separated, so that signals transmitted from the antenna are received by the receiving module in a wireless manner compatible with high-frequency signals. In some embodiments, the antenna test apparatus has an intervening element to reduce leakage loss of signals transmitted from the antenna. In some embodiments, the antenna test apparatus includes a flexible diaphragm for transmitting 5G / millimeter-wave signals.

[0113] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a test system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The test system includes a test apparatus 1 and an antenna test device 2. In some embodiments, the antenna test device 2 provides a feed signal F to the test apparatus 1 to test the antenna, and then the test apparatus 1 sends an excitation signal E back to the antenna test device 2. Therefore, by testing the antenna's performance in response to the feed signal F, it can be determined whether the antenna meets the design requirements.

[0114] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of a test apparatus 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B This is an exploded view of test apparatus 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional view of a test apparatus 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2D This is a side view of a test apparatus 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the test apparatus 1 includes a receiving module 100, a housing 200, an antenna module 300, and a connecting assembly 400. In some embodiments, an antenna 500 is disposed on the antenna module 300 and coupled to an antenna test device 2 via the test apparatus 1.

[0115] In some embodiments, the test apparatus 1 is used to test the antenna 500 (device under test, DUT). The antenna 500 may be, for example, an antenna integrated into a package. In some embodiments, the antenna 500 is configured to receive and transmit millimeter-wave signals, such as signals having frequencies between about 15 GHz and about 39 GHz and suitable for 5G applications, such as 28 GHz. Figure 2C As shown, antenna 500 is configured to transmit an excitation signal E in response to a feed signal F provided from antenna test equipment 2. Receiver module 100 is configured to receive the excitation signal E wirelessly transmitted from antenna 500 and is adapted to receive millimeter-wave signals. In some embodiments, when antenna 500 is being tested, the first coupled radiating element 120 of receiver module 100 is physically separated from antenna 500 (i.e., not in contact with it). For example, a first coupling gap G1 is provided between antenna module 500 and the first coupled radiating element 120 of receiver module 100 to allow antenna 500 to couple wirelessly with the first coupled radiating element 120. For example, the first coupled radiating element 120 faces antenna 500, and there are no obstructions, such as metal layers, in the radiation path.

[0116] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a perspective view of the receiving module 100 as viewed from different directions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 2C , Figure 3A ,and Figure 3B The receiving module 100 includes a substrate 110, a first coupling radiation element 120 disposed on the bottom side 1101 of the substrate 110 facing the antenna 500, and a support member 130 disposed on the bottom side 1101 of the substrate 110.

[0117] The first coupling radiation element 120 is disposed between the substrate 110 and the support member 130.

[0118] In some embodiments, the receiving module 100 further includes a protrusion 102 and a fastening element 104. The protrusion 102 is disposed on the top side 1102 of the substrate 110, opposite to the bottom side 1101. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2CAs shown, the fastening element 104 penetrates the protrusion 102 and the base plate 110 to directly contact the housing 200, thereby securing the receiving assembly 100 to the housing 200. The fastening element 104 can rotate or move horizontally and / or vertically. In some embodiments, the fastening element 104 includes clamps, knob clamps, clips, and other elements that can fasten the receiving module 100 to the housing 200. Furthermore, it should be understood that any number of fastening elements 104 can be used. In some embodiments, the base plate 110 includes a generally square body 112 and a pair of extensions 114 extending from the body 112, such as... Figure 3A As shown. In some embodiments, the extensions 114 are opposite to each other. In some embodiments, the protrusion 102 and the fastening element 104 are disposed on the extension 114.

[0119] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the support member 130 includes a plurality of pillars 132 and a body 134. The body 134 and the substrate 110 are connected by the pillars 132, and the body 134 has a bottom surface 1341 facing away from the substrate 110. In some embodiments, an opening 136 is formed on the body 134. In some embodiments, as Figure 2C As shown, a portion of the antenna 500 protrudes from the opening 136 of the support member 130, thus exposing the antenna 500 from the housing 200 and the receiving module 100. The remaining portion of the antenna 500, not protruding from the opening 136, is disposed between the support member 130 and the antenna module 300 of the receiving module 100, and directly contacts the bottom surface 1341. This allows the support member 130 to directly contact the antenna 500, and the position of the antenna 500 is fixed by the support member 130.

[0120] Figure 3C This is a bottom view of a substrate 110 and a first coupled radiating element 120 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For simplicity, the support member 130 is omitted. In some embodiments, the first coupled radiating element 120 is embedded in the substrate 110 and coupled to the antenna 500. In other embodiments, the first coupled radiating element 120 is disposed on the substrate 110. In some embodiments, the first coupled radiating element 120 is configured to receive an excitation signal E emitted from the antenna 500. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3CAs shown, the first coupled radiating element 120 includes a U-shaped coupling portion 1201 and a first branch 1202 extending from a notch in the coupling portion 1201. A first opening groove 1203 and a second opening groove 1204 are formed between the coupling portion 1201 and the first branch 1202. In some other embodiments, the coupling portion 1201 may have other shapes, such as rectangular, triangular, circular, or other suitable shapes. In some embodiments, the first coupled radiating element 120 includes multiple layers, such as multiple conductive layers and dielectric layers between the conductive layers, such as two or three conductive layers, thereby reducing the size of the first coupled radiating element 120.

[0121] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3C As shown, the first coupled radiating element 120 is electrically connected to two feed radiating elements 410 via a coupling line 405. In some embodiments, the coupling line 405 and the feed radiating elements 410 are disposed on the receiving module 100 and electrically connected to the first coupled radiating element 120, and exposed from the substrate 110. In some embodiments, the coupling line 405 includes a first connecting branch 4051, a second connecting branch 4052, a third connecting branch 4053, and a fourth connecting branch 4054. The two feed radiating elements 410 are respectively connected to the first connecting branch 4051 and the second connecting branch 4052. In some embodiments, the length of the first connecting branch 4051 is greater than the length of the second connecting branch 4052. In some embodiments, the first connecting branch 4051 and the second connecting branch 4052 are connected via the third connecting branch 4053 and the fourth connecting branch 4054. In some embodiments, the third connecting branch 4053 has a linear shape, and the fourth connecting branch 4054 has a stepped shape. In some embodiments, the first coupling radiation element 120 is connected to the fourth connection branch 4054, and then connected to the feed radiation element 410 via the first connection branch 4051 and the second connection branch 4052.

[0122] Figure 3D This is a bottom view of a receiving module 100A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure (where support member 130 is omitted for simplicity). The receiving module 100A is similar to... Figure 3C The receiving module 100 shown here replaces the feed radiation element 410 with a feed radiation element 412. Each feed radiation element 412 includes a planar patch 4121 and a slot 4122 formed on the planar patch 4121. The slot 4122 increases the frequency of the wave that can be transmitted by the feed radiation element 412. In some embodiments, the slot 4122 may be U-shaped, I-shaped, S-shaped, J-shaped, or other suitable shapes, etc.

[0123] Figure 3EThis is a schematic diagram of a first coupling radiation element 120A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the first coupling radiation element 120A may be used instead of... Figure 3C The first coupling radiating element 120 in the antenna is determined according to design requirements. In some embodiments, the first coupling radiating element 120A is an aperture antenna and includes a patch 120A1 disposed on an antenna substrate 120A2, a circuit substrate 120A3, and a matching stub 120A4. The circuit substrate 120A3 is disposed between the antenna substrate 120A2 and the matching stub 120A4, and the circuit substrate 120A3 includes a slot 120A5. The matching stub 120A4 is coupled to the patch 120A1. In some embodiments, the ground plane 120A6 of the circuit substrate 120A3 faces the patch 120A1 and the antenna substrate 120A2 and is used for connection to a ground voltage. In some embodiments, slot 120A5 is located in the projection 120A7 of patch 120A1 on circuit board 120A3, while the projections 120A8 of patch 120A1 and slot 120A5 partially cover mating root 120A4 to allow messages received by signal patch 120A1 to be transmitted through slot 120A5 to mating root 120A4. Slot 120A5 has an elongated shape, thereby enhancing the signal passing through slot 120A5. In some embodiments, mating root 120A4 is electrically connected to feed radiating element 410 to transmit the excitation signal E received by first coupled radiating element 120A.

[0124] In some embodiments, the materials of the first coupling radiating element 120, patch 120A1, matching root 120A4, coupling line 405, or feed radiating element 410 include metals, such as copper, silver, aluminum, iron, or alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the antenna substrate 120A2 includes an FR4 (flame retardant 4) substrate, a printed circuit board (PCB), or a flexible circuit board (FCB).

[0125] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of a housing 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4B This is a perspective view of a housing 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4C This is a bottom view of a housing 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 2C , Figure 4A , Figure 4B ,and Figure 4CThe housing 200 includes a base 210, a body 220, a connecting element 230, and a plurality of pillars 240. The base 210 and the body 220 are connected by the pillars 240, and the connecting element 230 is disposed on the body 220. In some embodiments, an intermediate connector 250 and a gasket 252 are disposed on the base 210 to reduce the space between the base 210 and the support member 130 of the receiving module 100.

[0126] In some embodiments, the body 220 is U-shaped and has an opening 222. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2D As shown, the support member 130 of the receiving component 100 is disposed in the opening 222 of the main body 220, the bottom surface 1341 of the main body 134 can directly contact the pad 252, and the bottom surface 1101 of the substrate 110 and the fastening element 104 directly contact the top surface 2201 of the main body 220.

[0127] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4C As shown, an opening 212 is formed on the base 210, and the opening 212 is partially covered by a pad 252. In some embodiments, the pad 252 has an opening 254, and when viewed from the Z direction, the opening 254 overlaps with the opening 212, such that the antenna 500 can be disposed in the opening 254, as shown. Figure 2C As shown.

[0128] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of antenna module 300 and antenna 500 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, antenna module 300 is used to hold antenna 500 and includes antenna 310 and flexible membrane 320 disposed on antenna 310.

[0129] refer to Figure 2C and Figure 5In some embodiments, the housing 310 includes a fixture 312, a plurality of probes 314, and a circuit board 316. In some embodiments, the fixture 312 is disposed within the accommodating space of the circuit board 316. The probes 314 are disposed on the fixture 312 and penetrate the flexible membrane 320 for electrical connection to the antenna 500. The flexible membrane 320 is suitable for 5G / millimeter-wave signal transmission, and a portion of the flexible membrane 320 is exposed on the circuit board 316, while another portion is disposed between the fixture 312 and the circuit board 316. The flexible membrane 320 is deformed by pressure or push from the fixture 312 and the circuit board 316. In some embodiments, wiring may be provided in the flexible membrane 320 so that the antenna test device 2 can be electrically connected to the antenna 500 through the flexible membrane 320 and the probes 314. In some embodiments, the antenna module 300 includes a connector 340 and a cable 342, wherein the connector 340 is disposed on the circuit board 316 and electrically connected to the flexible membrane 320, and the cable 342 is used to connect the connector 340 to the antenna test device 2. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2C As shown, the feed signal F is provided to the antenna 500 from the antenna test device 2 via cable 342 and flexible membrane 320. In response to the feed signal F, the antenna 500 transmits an excitation signal E to the first coupled radiating element 120. In some embodiments, the probe 314 is short enough, for example, about 50 μm. One advantage of the flexible membrane 320 is that the probe on the thin film is short, and therefore its impedance is low enough that signal loss is negligible. Thus, the impedance of the probe 314 is low enough to reduce signal loss during transmission of the high-frequency feed signal F, such as frequencies between about 15 GHz and about 39 GHz.

[0130] Reference Figure 2C In some embodiments, a connection assembly 400 is disposed between the receiving module 100 and the housing 200, and includes a feed radiation element 410, a second coupling radiation element 420, and a connector 430. The feed radiation element 410 is disposed on the substrate 110 of the receiving module 100 and electrically connected to the first coupling radiation element 120 via a coupling line 405. The second coupling radiation element 420 and the connector 430 are disposed on the connection element 230 of the housing 200, and a second coupling gap G2 is formed between one of the feed radiation elements 410 and one of the second coupling radiation elements 420. In some embodiments, the second coupling radiation element 420 may be exposed from the connection element 230. In some embodiments, the second coupling radiation element 420 is coupled to the antenna test device 2 via the connector 430. Therefore, the excitation signal E received by the receiving module 100 is coupled to the antenna test device 2 via the connection assembly 400.

[0131] Figure 6A This is an exploded view of connector 430 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6BThis is a schematic diagram of a second coupling radiation element 420 and a connector 430 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, each connector 430 includes a first connecting portion 432 and a second connecting portion 434, and a portion of the first connecting portion 432 and the second connecting portion 434 is hollow. In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 434 is disposed on the first connecting portion 432. In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 432 is hollow and configured as a waveguide for exciting the signal E, such as... Figure 6A As shown.

[0132] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6B As shown, the second coupled radiating element 420 includes a line 421 and a third coupled radiating element 423, wherein the line 421 is electrically connected to the feed radiating element 410, and the line 421 is coupled to the third coupled radiating element 423, so that the excitation signal E can be transmitted from the feed radiating element 410 to the line 421, and then to the third coupled radiating element 423. Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 6B As shown, the second connection part 434 includes a fourth coupling radiation element 435 and a line 437. The fourth coupling radiation element 435 is coupled to the third coupling radiation element 423, and the line 437 is coupled to the fourth coupling radiation element 435. Thus, the excitation signal E can be transmitted from the third coupling radiation element 423 to the fourth coupling radiation element 435 through the first connection part 432, and then coupled to the line 437 to transmit the signal to the antenna test device 2.

[0133] In some embodiments, connector 430 further includes a first intermediary element 436. The first intermediary element 436 is disposed between the second coupling radiating element 420 and the first connection portion 432. In some embodiments, the first intermediary element 436 includes a body 4361 and a plurality of conductive posts 4362 disposed in the body 4361. The body 4361 has a first side 4364 and a second side 4365 opposite to the first side 4364. The conductive posts 4362 are partially exposed from the first side 4364 of the body 4361 and are in direct contact with the second coupling radiating element 420. In some embodiments, the second coupling radiating element 420, including a via 422, is in direct contact with the second side 4365 of the body 4361. The conductive posts 4362 are electrically connected to the via 422, and the via 422 is electrically connected to a line 424 in the second coupling radiating element 420, wherein the line 424 is used for grounding, thereby connecting the conductive posts 4362 to a ground voltage. In some embodiments, the first intermediary element 436 includes an opening 4363 surrounded by a conductive post 4362, and a third coupling radiating element 423 may be disposed in the opening 4363, such that the excitation signal E from the second coupling radiating element 420 can pass through the opening 4363 to reach the first connection portion 432. In some embodiments, the conductive post 4362 is elastic, allowing the first intermediary element 436 to be better adapted to the space between the second coupling radiating element 420 and the first connection portion 432. Therefore, the excitation signal E transmitted through the connector 430 can be shielded by the conductive post 4362 connected to the ground voltage, thereby preventing leakage of the excitation signal E in the space between the second coupling radiating element 420 and the first connection portion 432, and reducing leakage loss of the radio frequency signal (RF signal).

[0134] In some embodiments, the connector 430 further includes a second intermediary element 438. The second intermediary element 438 is disposed between the first connection portion 432 and the second connection portion 434. In some embodiments, the second intermediary element 438 includes a body 4381 and a plurality of conductive posts 4382. The body 4381 has a first side 4384 and a second side 4385 opposite to the first side 4384. The conductive posts 4382 are disposed in the post body 438A and partially exposed from the first side 4384 of the body 4381, wherein the conductive posts 4382 are in direct contact with the second connection portion 434. In some embodiments, the second connection portion 434 includes a guide hole 4391 that is in direct contact with the second side 4385 of the post body 438A. The conductive posts 4382 are electrically connected to the guide hole 4391, and the guide hole 4391 is electrically connected to a line 4392 in the second connection portion 434. The line 4392 is used for grounding, so the conductive posts 4382 can also be connected to a ground voltage. In some embodiments, the second intermediary element 438 includes an opening 4383 surrounded by a conductive post 4382, and a fourth coupling radiation element 435 may be disposed in the opening 4383 such that the excitation signal E can pass through the opening 4383 to reach the fourth coupling radiation element 435. Therefore, the conductive post 4382 can shield the excitation signal E transmitted through the connector 430 and prevent the excitation signal E from leaking from the space between the first connection portion 432 and the second connection portion 434.

[0135] Although Figure 6A The first intermediary element 436 and the second intermediary element 438 are shown, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the first intermediary element 436 or the second intermediary element 438 may be omitted depending on design requirements.

[0136] The excitation signal E can be sent to antenna test device 2 through other configurations. For example, Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of the connecting element 230A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the connecting element 230A. In the foregoing embodiments, the connecting element 230A can be used in place of the connecting element 230 of the test apparatus 1. In some embodiments, such as Figure 7BAs shown, the connecting element 230A includes a substrate 442 and a first via element 444. The first via element 444 is disposed in the substrate 442 and electrically connected to the feed radiation element 410. Specifically, each first via element 444 includes a first portion 4441 and a second portion 4442. The first portion 4441 is embedded in the substrate 442. The second portion 4442 is retractable, for example, the tip of a spring needle, and can protrude from the substrate 442. In some embodiments, the second portion 4442 protrudes from the substrate 442 and is used to directly contact the feed radiation element 410, thereby transmitting the excitation signal E provided from the feed radiation element 410.

[0137] In some embodiments, the connecting element 230A further includes a second via element 446, wherein the second via element 446 is configured to be connected to a ground voltage to shield the excitation signal E emitted by the first via element 444, thereby preventing the excitation signal E from being affected by an external electric field. In this configuration, this can be omitted. Figure 6B The connector 430 in the middle can be used, and a cable (not shown) can be used to transmit the excitation signal E from the feed radiation element 410 to the antenna test device 2 through the first guide hole element 444.

[0138] In some embodiments, the connecting element 230A is disposed on the body 220, such as Figures 7C to 7E As shown. Figure 7C This is a top view of a connecting element 230A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the first via element 444 and the second via element 446 may be arranged in the X and Y directions, or may be arranged at an angle between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 60 degrees to the side 230A1 of the connecting element 230A, such that the first via element 444 is surrounded by the second via element 446. The impedance of the first via element 444 can be controlled by the number of the second via elements 446 or the distance between the first via element 444 and the second via element 446, thereby controlling the frequency range of the signals that can pass through. In some embodiments, the second via element 446 is symmetrical to the first via element 444. In some embodiments, a third coupling gap G3 is formed between the first guide hole element 444 and the second guide hole element 446 arranged in the X or Y direction or substantially perpendicular to or substantially parallel to the side 230A1, and a fourth coupling gap G4 is formed between the first guide hole element 444 and the second guide hole element 446 arranged diagonally on the connecting element 230A, wherein the third coupling gap G3 and the fourth coupling gap G4 are different. In some embodiments, the second guide hole element 446 may be coupled with... Figure 3C The feed radiation element 410 is arranged in the Z direction, so that the first guide hole element 444 can be directly connected to the feed radiation element 410.

[0139] Figure 7DThis is a top view of a connecting element 230B according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Connecting element 230B is similar to connecting element 230A, except that the first guide hole element 444 and the second guide hole element 446 are arranged along the X and Y directions, or arranged substantially perpendicular to or substantially parallel to the side 230B1 of connecting element 230B. In some embodiments, the second guide hole element 446 may be... Figure 3C The feed radiation element 410 is arranged in the Z direction, so that the first guide hole element 444 can be directly connected to the feed radiation element 410.

[0140] Figure 7E This is a top view of a connecting element 230C according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Connecting element 230C is similar to connecting element 230A, except that the first guide hole element 444 and the second guide hole element 446 are arranged at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees with respect to the side 230C1 of connecting element 230C. In some embodiments, the second guide hole element 446 may be... Figure 3C The feed radiation element 410 is arranged in the Z direction, so that the first guide hole element 444 can be directly connected to the feed radiation element 410.

[0141] In some embodiments, the position of the feed radiation element 410 may be interchanged with the position of the first guide hole element 444 and the second guide hole element 446. This means that the first guide hole element 444 and the second guide hole element 446 may be disposed in the substrate 110, and the feed radiation element 410 may be disposed on the connecting element 230A, the connecting element 230B, or the connecting element 230C, depending on the design requirements.

[0142] Figure 7F This is a schematic diagram of a first via element 444 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the first via element 444 may be a spring pin and may include a conductor 4443, a dielectric layer 4444, a conductive barrier 4445, and an insulating layer 4446. The conductor 4443 is disposed in the dielectric layer 4444, the dielectric layer 4444 is surrounded by the conductive barrier 4445, and the conductive barrier 4445 is covered by the insulating layer 4446.

[0143] Conductor 4443 is used to transmit signals, such as excitation signal E. Dielectric layer 4444 is used to insulate conductor 4443. Conductive barrier 4445 is used to prevent magnetic fields outside conductive barrier 4445 from interfering with the transmitted signal. Insulating layer 4446 is used to prevent electric fields outside insulating layer 4446 from interfering with the transmitted signal. In some embodiments, the second via element 446 may have a similar or identical structure to the first via element 444, and will not be described again for simplicity.

[0144] Figure 8AThis is a schematic diagram of a connecting element 230D according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of connecting element 230D according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Connecting element 230D can be used to replace connecting element 230 or connecting element 230A in the foregoing embodiments. Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the connecting element 230D includes two second coupling radiating elements 448 and a line 449. The second coupling radiating elements 448 are coupled to the feed radiating element 410 to transmit the excitation signal E without direct contact with each other, and a second coupling gap is formed between the feed radiating element 410 and the second coupling radiating element 448. For example, in some embodiments, the second coupling radiating elements 448 and the feed radiating element 410 are plate-shaped and arranged in a first direction (e.g., the Z direction), while the antenna module 300 and the receiver module 100 are also arranged along the first direction. The excitation signal E from the feed radiating element 410 can then be transmitted through the second coupling radiating elements 448 and through a cable (not shown) connected to the line 449 to the antenna test device 2.

[0145] Figure 9 This is a processing flow of a method 600 for testing an antenna 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 600 begins at step 602, wherein a feed signal F is provided from the antenna test device 2 to the antenna 500 disposed on the antenna module 300 of the test apparatus 1. Then, step 604 is performed, which includes transmitting an excitation signal E from the antenna 500 in response to the feed signal F. Then, method 600 proceeds to step 606, wherein the excitation signal E is received through the coupling radiation element 120 of the receiving module 100 of the test apparatus 1, at which time the receiving module 100 is disposed on the antenna module 300, and the coupling radiation element 120 of the receiving module 100 is physically separated from the antenna 500. Finally, method 600 proceeds to step 608, which includes transmitting the excitation signal E from the receiving module 100 to the antenna test device 2.

[0146] In summary, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a test apparatus for testing antennas. This test apparatus is used to test antennas wirelessly and is suitable for testing antennas operating at high frequencies, such as antennas operating in the millimeter range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0147] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a testing apparatus is provided for testing an antenna. The testing apparatus includes a housing, an antenna module, and a receiving module. The antenna module is disposed below the housing and is used to hold the antenna, which is coupled to an antenna testing device. The receiving module is disposed on the housing and includes a coupling radiating element, which is physically separated from the antenna. The receiving module is configured to receive excitation signals emitted by the antenna.

[0148] In some embodiments, the antenna module includes a base and a flexible membrane. The base is disposed on a housing, and the flexible membrane is disposed on the base and configured to transmit a feed signal provided to the antenna by an antenna test apparatus. In some embodiments, the test apparatus further includes a connection assembly disposed between the housing and the receiving module. Excitation signals received by the receiving module are coupled to the antenna test apparatus via the connection assembly. In some embodiments, the base includes a fixture, a plurality of probes, and a circuit board. Probes are disposed on the fixture and pass through the flexible membrane to be electrically connected to the antenna. The flexible membrane is partially exposed from the circuit board and partially disposed between the fixture and the circuit board. In some embodiments, the antenna is exposed from the housing and the receiving module. In some embodiments, the receiving module includes a substrate, a coupling radiating element is disposed on the side of the substrate facing the antenna and coupled to the antenna, and the substrate is configured to receive excitation signals from the antenna. In some embodiments, the receiving module further includes a support member that directly contacts the antenna and is disposed between the substrate and the antenna module.

[0149] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a testing apparatus is provided for testing an antenna. The testing apparatus includes a housing, an antenna module, a receiving module, and a connecting assembly. The antenna module is used to hold the antenna and is disposed below the housing; the antenna is configured to transmit an excitation signal. The receiving module is disposed on the housing and has a first coupling radiating element coupled to the antenna. A first coupling distance exists between the antenna and the first coupling radiating element. The connecting assembly is disposed between the housing and the receiving module and is configured to transmit the excitation signal to the antenna testing device.

[0150] In some embodiments, the connection assembly includes a feed radiating element and a second coupled radiating element. The feed radiating element is disposed on the receiving module and electrically connected to the first coupled radiating element. The second coupled radiating element is disposed on the housing, and a second coupling gap is formed between the feed radiating element and the second coupled radiating element. In some embodiments, the connection assembly includes a connector, through which the second coupled radiating element is coupled to an antenna test device. In some embodiments, the connector includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion being disposed on the first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion being hollow and configured as a waveguide for excitation signals. In some embodiments, the connector further includes an intermediary element disposed between the second coupled radiating element and the first connecting portion, or between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. In some embodiments, the intermediary element includes a body and a plurality of conductive posts disposed in the body, the conductive posts directly contacting the first connecting portion. In some embodiments, the body has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the conductive posts protruding from the first side, and the second coupled radiating element includes a plurality of guide holes directly contacting the second side of the body. In some embodiments, the feed radiating element and the second coupled radiating element have a plate-like shape and are arranged in a first direction, and the antenna module and the receiving module are arranged in the first direction. In some embodiments, the feed radiation element has a U-shaped slot. In some embodiments, the connection assembly includes the feed radiation element, a first guide hole element, and a plurality of second guide hole elements. A feed radiation element is disposed on the receiving module and electrically connected to the first coupling radiation element. The first guide hole element is disposed on the housing and electrically connected to the feed radiation element. The second guide hole elements surround the first guide hole element.

[0151] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a test method for testing an antenna, including providing an input signal from an antenna test device to an antenna, the antenna being disposed on an antenna module of the test device; transmitting an excitation signal from the antenna in response to the input signal; receiving the excitation signal through a coupling radiation element of a receiving module of the test device, the receiving module being disposed on the antenna module and the coupling radiation element being physically separated from the antenna; and transmitting the excitation signal from the receiving module to the antenna test device.

[0152] In some embodiments, the testing method further includes providing an intermediary element to the testing apparatus to prevent the excitation signal from leaking from the testing apparatus. In some embodiments, the testing method further includes providing an antenna module on a first side of the housing; providing an antenna on the antenna module to allow the antenna to be electrically connected to the antenna module; and providing a receiving module on a second side of the housing, the first side of the housing being opposite to the second side.

[0153] The foregoing outlines features of many embodiments, thus enabling any person skilled in the art to better understand various aspects of this disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may readily design or modify other processes and structures based on this disclosure to achieve the same purpose and / or obtain the same advantages as the embodiments of this disclosure. It should also be understood by any person skilled in the art that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and such equivalent creations do not exceed the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A testing apparatus for testing an antenna, characterized in that, include: A shell; An antenna module, disposed below the housing and used to hold the antenna, wherein the antenna is coupled to an antenna testing device, includes: A base, disposed on the housing; and A flexible membrane, disposed on the base, is configured to transmit a feed signal provided to the antenna by the antenna test equipment; and A receiving module, disposed on the housing, includes: A coupled radiating element, physically separated from the antenna; and A substrate, wherein the coupled radiating element is disposed on the side of the substrate facing the antenna and coupled to the antenna, and the receiving module is configured to receive an excitation signal emitted by the antenna.

2. The testing apparatus according to claim 1 further includes a connecting component disposed between the housing and the receiving module, wherein the excitation signal received by the receiving module is coupled to the antenna testing device through the connecting module.

3. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises: a fixture; Multiple probes are mounted on the fixture and pass through the flexible membrane to be electrically connected to the antenna; as well as A circuit board, wherein the flexible membrane is partially exposed from the circuit board and partially disposed between the fixture and the circuit board.

4. The test apparatus of claim 1, wherein the antenna is exposed from the housing and the receiving module.

5. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving module further includes a support member that directly contacts the antenna and is disposed between the substrate and the antenna module.

6. A testing apparatus for testing an antenna, comprising: A shell; An antenna module for holding the antenna and disposed below the housing, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit an excitation signal, and the antenna module includes: A base, disposed on the housing; and A flexible membrane is disposed on the base and configured to transmit a feed signal provided to the antenna by the antenna test equipment; A receiving module is mounted on the housing and has the following features: A first coupling radiating element coupled to the antenna, wherein a first coupling distance exists between the antenna and the first coupling radiating element; and A substrate, wherein the coupled radiating element is disposed on the side of the substrate facing the antenna and coupled to the antenna; and A connecting component, disposed between the housing and the receiving module, is configured to transmit the excitation signal to an antenna testing device, wherein the connecting component includes: A feed radiation element is disposed on the receiving module and electrically connected to the first coupling radiation element; A second coupled radiation element is disposed on the housing, and a second coupling distance is formed between the feed radiation element and the second coupled radiation element; and A connector, through which the second coupled radiating element is coupled to the antenna test equipment.

7. The testing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the connector includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion being disposed on the first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion being hollow and configured as a waveguide for the excitation signal.

8. The testing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the connector further comprises an intermediary element disposed between the second coupling radiation element and the first connecting portion, or disposed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

9. The testing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate element comprises a body and a plurality of conductive posts disposed in the body, wherein the plurality of conductive posts directly contact the first connecting portion.

10. The testing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the body has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, a plurality of the conductive posts protruding from the first side, and the second coupling radiation element includes a plurality of vias that directly contact the second side of the body.

11. The test apparatus of claim 6, wherein the feed radiation element and the second coupling radiation element have a plate-like shape and are arranged in a first direction, and the antenna module and the receiving module are arranged in the first direction.

12. The test apparatus of claim 11, wherein the feed radiation element has a U-shaped slot.

13. The testing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the connecting component comprises: A feed radiation element is disposed on the receiving module and electrically connected to the first coupled radiation element; A first guide hole element is disposed on the housing and electrically connected to the feed radiation element; as well as Multiple second guide hole elements surround the first guide hole element.

14. A testing apparatus for testing an antenna, comprising: A shell; An antenna module, used to hold the antenna, is located below the housing and includes: First base; A flexible membrane, disposed on the first base, is configured to transmit a feed signal provided to the antenna by an antenna test device; and A connector, disposed on the first base, is electrically connected to the flexible membrane; and A receiving module, disposed on the housing, includes: A coupled radiating element, separated from the antenna; A first substrate; and A support member is provided, which directly contacts the antenna and is disposed between the first substrate and the antenna module, wherein the antenna is coupled to an antenna testing device and the receiving module is configured to receive an excitation signal emitted by the antenna.

15. The testing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the housing comprises: A second base; One main body contacts the first substrate; as well as Multiple columns connect the second base and the main body.

16. The testing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the housing further comprises a connecting element disposed on the main body, and the connecting element comprises: A second substrate is disposed on the main body; A first via element is disposed in the second substrate; as well as Multiple second via elements are disposed in the second substrate and surround the first via element.

17. The testing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first guide hole element protrudes from the second substrate, and a plurality of the second guide hole elements are embedded in the second substrate.

18. The testing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first guide hole element comprises: A conductor; A dielectric layer surrounds the conductor; A conductive barrier surrounds the dielectric layer; as well as An insulating layer surrounds the conductive barrier.

19. The testing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first guide hole element and the plurality of second guide hole elements are arranged in a direction perpendicular or parallel to one side of the connecting element.

20. The testing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first guide hole element and the plurality of second guide hole elements are arranged in a direction having an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with one side of the connecting element.

21. A testing apparatus for testing an antenna, comprising: A shell; An antenna module, used to hold the antenna, is located below the housing and includes: A base; and A flexible membrane is disposed on the base and configured to transmit a feed signal provided to the antenna by an antenna test device; A receiving module, disposed on the housing, includes: One substrate; A coupled radiating element, disposed on the substrate, physically separated from and coupled to the antenna, is configured to receive an excitation signal emitted from the antenna; and A support member is disposed on the bottom side of the substrate, and the coupled radiating element is disposed between the substrate and the support member, having an opening in which the antenna is partially exposed.

22. The testing apparatus according to claim 21 further includes a plurality of pillars connecting the substrate and the support member.

23. The test apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the coupled radiation element comprises: One coupling part; A first branch connects to this coupled portion; A first opening groove is formed between the coupling portion and the first branch; as well as A second opening groove is formed between the coupling portion and the first branch; The first opening groove and the second opening groove are formed on both sides of the first branch.

24. The testing apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising: A first feed radiation element is disposed in the receiving module; A second feed radiation element is disposed in the receiving module; as well as A coupling line, wherein the first feed radiation element and the second feed radiation element are electrically connected to the coupling radiation element through the coupling line.

25. The test apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the coupling circuit comprises: First connection branch; A second connection branch; A third connecting branch connects to the first connecting branch and the second connecting branch, wherein the extension direction of the third connecting branch is different from the extension direction of the first connecting branch or the second connecting branch; A fourth connection branch, wherein the first connection branch and the second connection branch are connected through the third connection branch and the fourth connection branch, and the coupled radiation element is connected to the fourth connection branch; as well as The first feed radiation element and the second feed radiation element are respectively connected to the first connection branch and the second connection branch, and the coupling radiation element is connected to the first feed radiation element and the second feed radiation element through the first connection branch and the second connection branch.

26. A testing apparatus for testing an antenna, comprising: A housing, comprising: One main body with one opening; A connecting element is disposed on the main body; and Multiple columns; An antenna module, used to hold the antenna, is located below the housing and includes: A base; and A flexible membrane is disposed on the base and configured to transmit a feed signal provided to the antenna by an antenna test device. The base and the main body are connected by a column. A receiving module, disposed on the housing, includes: A first substrate; and A first coupled radiating element is disposed on the first substrate, physically separated from the antenna, coupled to the antenna, and configured to receive an excitation signal emitted from the antenna.

27. The testing apparatus of claim 26, wherein the connecting element comprises: A second substrate; A first via element is disposed in the second substrate; as well as Multiple second via elements are disposed in the second substrate, wherein the first via element and the multiple second via elements have different lengths.

28. The testing apparatus of claim 27, wherein a plurality of the second guide hole elements surround the first guide hole element.

29. The testing apparatus of claim 28, wherein the first via element is exposed from a top surface of the second substrate, and the plurality of second via elements are not exposed from the top surface of the second substrate.

30. The testing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the first guide hole element comprises: An insulating layer; A conductive barrier is covered by this insulating layer; A dielectric layer is surrounded by this conductive barrier; as well as A conductor is disposed in the dielectric layer.

31. The testing apparatus of claim 27, further comprising two connectors disposed on the connecting element, wherein each of the two connectors comprises: First connecting part; A second connecting part is disposed on the first connecting part; A first intermediate element is disposed on the first connecting portion; as well as A second intermediary element is disposed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

32. A testing apparatus for testing an antenna, comprising: A shell; An antenna module, used to hold the antenna, is located below the housing and includes: A base; and A flexible membrane is disposed on the base and configured to transmit a feed signal provided to the antenna by an antenna test device; A receiving module, disposed on the housing, includes: A substrate; and A coupled radiating element, disposed on the substrate, physically separated from the antenna, coupled to the antenna, and configured to receive an excitation signal emitted from the antenna; and A connecting component is disposed between the housing and the receiving module.

33. The testing apparatus of claim 32 further includes a pad disposed on the base, wherein the antenna is surrounded by the pad and exposed from an opening in the pad.

34. The testing apparatus according to claim 33 further includes an intermediate connector disposed between the housing and the gasket.

35. The testing apparatus of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises: One main body; as well as Multiple columns are mounted on the intermediate connector and connected to the main body.

36. The testing apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the receiving module further comprises: A protrusion is provided on the substrate; as well as A fastening element passes through the protrusion and the substrate.

37. The testing apparatus of claim 36, wherein the substrate includes a body and an extension extending from the body, wherein the protrusion and the fastening element are disposed on the extension, and the extension and the body have different widths.

Images