Field probe and method for performing antenna measurements

Abstract

Field probe for antenna measurement by phaseless measurement. An antenna arrangement comprises three or four antennas for measuring RF waves. The measured RF waves are added and subtracted pairwise. Based on the results of the adding and subtracting operations, an amplitude pattern and a phase pattern are determined. In this way, the amplitude and phase patterns of electromagnetic waves emitted by a device under test can be determined by a completely passive device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a field detector for performing antenna measurements, and more particularly to a field detector for performing antenna measurements via phase-free measurement. The invention also relates to a method for performing antenna measurements via phase-free measurement. Background Technology

[0002] Although the present invention is generally applicable to any measurement of electromagnetic fields, the invention and its potential problems will be described below in conjunction with the measurement of the near-field characteristics of the antenna under test.

[0003] When performing antenna measurements, particularly millimeter-wave antenna measurements, the antenna under test can emit electromagnetic waves, which can be received by multiple of one or more measurement antennas. The measurement antennas can measure the received electromagnetic waves and forward the received signals to a measurement device (e.g., a vector network analyzer).

[0004] Therefore, the antenna and measuring equipment must be connected via expensive RF coaxial cables, rotary joints, and connectors. Furthermore, additional devices such as RF amplifiers, mixers, or switches may be needed to transmit the signal received by the antenna to the measuring equipment. In cases requiring near-field to far-field conversion, phase information of the received signal is needed, thus requiring phase-stabilized cables and dedicated cabling. All these requirements result in a complex and expensive test setup.

[0005] Against this backdrop, the present invention aims to provide an improved and simplified detector for measuring electromagnetic waves, particularly for performing antenna measurements. Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a detector arrangement that allows for antenna measurements via phase-free measurements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a field detector and method for performing antenna measurements, having the features according to the independent claim. Other advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a field detector for performing antenna measurements is provided. Specifically, the field detector can perform antenna measurements via phase-free measurement. The field detector includes an antenna arrangement and a radio frequency (RF) circuit. The antenna arrangement includes multiple antennas from three or four antennas. The three or four antennas share a common center point. Each of the antennas is configured to measure radio frequency waves emitted by a device under test (DUT), particularly the antenna under test. The RF circuit is directly connected to the multiple antennas. Furthermore, the RF circuit is configured to receive the measured RF waves from each of the antennas. The RF circuit is also configured to add the measured RF waves and subtract the measured RF waves. The RF circuit is further configured to determine the amplitude pattern and / or phase pattern of the DUT. Specifically, the amplitude pattern and / or phase pattern can be determined based on the added and subtracted RF waves.

[0008] According to another aspect, a method for performing antenna measurements, particularly for performing antenna measurements via phase-free measurements, is provided. The method includes the step of measuring radio frequency (RF) waves using an antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may include multiple antennas from three or four antennas. Specifically, the multiple antennas may share a common center point. The method also includes the steps of adding the measured RF waves and subtracting the measured RF waves. Furthermore, the method may include the step of determining the amplitude pattern and / or phase pattern of the device under test. Specifically, the amplitude pattern and / or phase pattern can be determined based on the results of the added and subtracted RF waves.

[0009] This invention is based on the discovery that conventional measurement setups for measuring electromagnetic waves, particularly the antenna pattern of the antenna under test, can be complex and expensive. Specifically, a large number of expensive, high-quality components (such as phase-stabilized cables, rotary joints or connectors, amplifiers, mixers, or switches) may be required to transfer the energy of the received RF signal to the measurement device.

[0010] This invention takes into account this discovery and aims to provide a simplified test setup, particularly an improved field detector for measuring RF waves (e.g., electromagnetic waves used to perform antenna measurements). Specifically, this invention aims to provide a field detector that allows antenna measurements to be performed without the need for phase measurements.

[0011] To this end, the present invention proposes a field detector with an antenna arrangement of three or four antennas, wherein the individual antennas are arranged in a specific predetermined configuration. Specifically, the antennas are arranged such that they share a common center point. For example, each of the antennas may include a corner or edge connected to this particular center point. Thus, multiple antennas of the three or four antennas are arranged relative to the other antennas in specific predetermined and known positions. For example, the corresponding corners of each antenna may be electrically coupled to the center point. For this purpose, the corresponding corners of the antennas may be welded together at the center point. However, any other suitable method may be feasible for the antenna arrangement having a common center point for each antenna.

[0012] The antennas in the antenna arrangement can be any type of suitable antenna. In particular, each antenna can be adapted to a desired frequency range that should be measured by the field detector. For example, each antenna can be implemented as a horn antenna, etc. However, it should be understood that any other type of suitable antenna for the desired frequency range is also feasible.

[0013] The RF circuitry of the field detector is directly connected to the output ports of each antenna. In this connection, the term "direct" means that the input of the RF circuitry is connected to the output port of the antenna without any other intermediate components. At most, a very short conductive element can be used to electrically couple the output port of the antenna to the corresponding input port of the RF circuitry. In this way, the RF circuitry is located in close proximity to the antenna arrangement. Therefore, no additional components such as RF connectors, RF cables, amplifiers, mixers, etc., are required between the output ports of the antennas and the input ports of the RF circuitry.

[0014] The RF circuitry of the field detector performs appropriate operations on the received RF signals provided by the antennas arranged in the antenna configuration. Specifically, the RF circuitry determines the amplitude pattern and / or phase pattern based on the measured RF waves. To this end, the RF circuitry can perform appropriate operations to obtain the sum of the received RF waves and the differences between the received RF waves. For example, the RF circuitry can add the RF waves from each antenna in pairs. Accordingly, the RF circuitry can also determine the difference between two received RF waves separately. Based on these sums and differences of the received RF waves, the RF circuitry can determine the values ​​of the amplitude pattern and / or phase pattern. In particular, the amplitude pattern and the phase pattern can correspond to the electromagnetic waves received by the antennas having the antenna patterns.

[0015] As will be described in more detail below, the determination of the sum and difference of the RF waves can be performed in any suitable manner. For example, the RF circuit may include specific components (e.g., circuitry) that output signals corresponding to the sum or difference of the two input signals. In particular, the sum and difference can be determined in real time. Therefore, the output values ​​of the sum and difference can continuously correspond to the corresponding input values. In other words, the sum and difference of the RF waves continuously correspond to the input values ​​without any operation such as averaging.

[0016] In this way, the field detector can provide measurements of the amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic field by using only three or four antennas to perform phase-free measurements of the RF waves. Specifically, amplitude and phase information is determined without considering the phase of each received RF wave. Furthermore, no other phase information (e.g., reference phase, etc.) needs to be considered. This simplifies the measurement of the electromagnetic field (e.g., antenna pattern) of the antenna under test. In particular, the measurements can be performed using only low-cost hardware. Moreover, the field detector arrangement can perform measurements to determine the amplitude and / or phase patterns without requiring movement around the individual antennas. Therefore, additional hardware components for moving or positioning the individual antenna elements can be omitted.

[0017] Information or signals relating to the determined radiation pattern used to describe amplitude and / or phase can be provided in any suitable manner. For example, the RF circuit may include an output that can be connected to another measuring device that receives signals related to amplitude and / or phase. However, signals for outputting the determined amplitude and / or phase can be provided via relatively simple cables. In particular, it is not necessary to connect the output of the RF circuit via dedicated cables (such as phase-stabilized cables or expensive RF cables).

[0018] Since the field detector can provide amplitude and phase patterns based on phase-free measurements, the determined amplitude and phase patterns can be used for near-field analysis, such as near-field analysis of antenna patterns. Furthermore, the determined amplitude and phase patterns can be used, for example, for near-field to far-field conversion. However, it is understood that any other applications are also possible.

[0019] Other embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the RF circuit may include an adding device. The adding device may be configured to add measured RF waves in pairs. The RF circuit may also be configured to determine the amplitude of the amplitude pattern based solely on the sum of the added RF waves.

[0021] The adding device can be any suitable element for receiving at least two input signals and outputting a signal corresponding to the sum of the received input signals. In particular, the adding device can be a passive device for providing an output signal corresponding to the sum of the input signals, without using active components such as amplifiers. Specifically, the addition of the input signals can be performed in the analog domain without digitizing the input signals. For example, a separate adding device can be provided for each pair of three or four antennas in the antenna arrangement. However, in the case of four antenna elements, only multiple antennas of the four antennas can be provided. For example, the output signals of only horizontally or vertically adjacent antennas can be considered to add the output signals separately.

[0022] In a possible embodiment, the RF circuit may include a subtraction device. The subtraction device may be configured to subtract measured RF waves in pairs. The RF circuit may also be configured to determine the phase value of the phase pattern by dividing the difference between the subtracted RF waves by the corresponding sum of the added RF waves.

[0023] Similar to the adding device, the subtracting device can also be implemented using passive components, eliminating the need for active components such as amplifiers. In particular, similar configurations of the adding and subtracting devices can be used. Therefore, for each desired antenna combination, corresponding adding and subtracting devices can be provided. In this way, the amplitude value can be determined solely based on the result of the adding device, and the corresponding phase value can be determined by dividing the difference provided by the subtracting device by the sum provided by the adding device. Thus, not only the amplitude but also the phase value can be determined without directly measuring any phase.

[0024] In possible embodiments, the RF circuit may further include a power measurement device. The power measurement device may be configured to determine the power value of the measured RF wave. The power measurement device may also be implemented, for example, using only passive components, without any active elements. Any suitable power measurement device (e.g., a power measurement diode, etc.) can be used to measure the output power of the antenna. The amplitude and / or phase values ​​may also be determined by considering the determined power of the RF wave. For example, the determined values ​​may be normalized relative to the determined power.

[0025] In possible embodiments, the amplitude and / or phase patterns can be determined without referring to a reference phase. As described above, the present invention allows amplitude and phase values ​​to be determined solely by phase-free measurements of the RF wave. Therefore, amplitude and phase values ​​can be determined based on the received RF wave without requiring any complex and expensive components for receiving or conducting a stable phase signal. Furthermore, it is not necessary to receive a reference phase, for example, from the device under test, particularly from the antenna under test.

[0026] In a possible embodiment, the RF circuitry may be arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit board may be directly coupled to the antenna arrangement.

[0027] For example, the input terminals of the RF circuitry on the PCB can be directly soldered to the output ports of the individual antennas in the antenna arrangement. If necessary, only short conductive elements can be placed between the output ports of the antennas and the corresponding input ports of the RF circuitry, without any additional active or passive components. These short conductive elements can be used to electrically couple the antennas and the RF circuitry. Depending on the antenna configuration and available space in the antenna arrangement, the RF circuitry can also be split across multiple PCBs. For example, different PCBs can provide different combinations for each antenna, or different PCBs can provide for adding and subtracting the RF waves. However, it is understood that any other suitable configuration of the RF circuitry on one or more PCBs is also feasible.

[0028] In a possible embodiment, multiple antennas are connected to the RF circuit, particularly to the PCB, without requiring any additional wiring. In this case, the output of the antenna is directly connected to the input of the RF circuit. For example, suitable connectors can be provided. However, the RF circuit can also be directly connected to the antenna by soldering or the like.

[0029] In possible embodiments, the antenna arrangement, and in particular the individual antennas of the antenna arrangement, can be implemented as on-chip antenna devices. For example, a suitable antenna structure for receiving RF waves can be implemented on a chip (e.g., a silicon chip). In this way, a very efficient, small-sized antenna configuration can be achieved.

[0030] In a possible embodiment, the antenna arrangement and the RF circuitry are implemented together as a system-on-a-chip device. In such a configuration, the individual antennas of the antenna arrangement and the RF circuitry, including components for adding and subtracting the RF waves, can be implemented on a common chip. In this way, a very compact and small-sized field detector can be achieved.

[0031] In a possible embodiment, the field detector includes a housing. The housing may house the antenna arrangement and the RF circuitry. For example, the housing may shield the antenna and the RF circuitry from external influences such as unwanted electromagnetic interference. A field detector with an antenna and RF circuitry in a common housing may also include an output for providing a signal corresponding to a determined amplitude and / or phase pattern. Therefore, the signal corresponding to the amplitude and phase patterns can be provided to other devices via standardized, low-cost cables, etc. Thus, complex and expensive components such as dedicated RF cables, especially phase-stable cables, RF connectors, amplifiers, mixers, etc., are unnecessary.

[0032] In a possible embodiment, the antenna arrangement can be configured to measure the radiation pattern of a device under test having a diameter greater than 1 meter. In particular, the antenna arrangement of the field detector can measure large devices such as automobiles, airplanes, and ships. However, it should be understood that any other device, especially any kind of large-sized device, can also be measured by the field detector.

[0033] In possible embodiments, the RF circuit can be configured to add and subtract RF waves of a continuous wave (CW) signal. Additionally or alternatively, the RF circuit can also be configured to add and subtract RF waves of a modulated RF signal. Typically, the RF circuit can be configured to perform measurements on any type of RF signal received by an antenna arranged by the antenna.

[0034] In a possible embodiment, the antenna arrangement can be configured to measure RF waves in a frequency range below 6 GHz. Specifically, the antenna arrangement can be configured to measure RF waves in frequency range 1 (FR1) of the 5G New Radio (5G NR). However, the antenna arrangement and corresponding field detector can also perform measurements for other suitable frequency ranges (e.g., FR2).

[0035] This invention enables phase-free RF measurements, particularly for measuring antenna patterns. Antenna measurements can be performed using multiple antennas from three or four antennas, each measuring the RF wave emitted by the device under test (e.g., the antenna under test). The RF signals measured by the individual antennas are added and subtracted, and the amplitude and phase can be determined based on the results of these addition and subtraction operations. In this way, amplitude and phase measurements can be performed without directly considering the phase information of the measured RF signals. Furthermore, the measurements can be performed using relatively simple and inexpensive hardware. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To gain a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments specified in the schematic diagrams and drawings, wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a measurement arrangement with a field detector according to an embodiment is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a field detector according to an embodiment is shown;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the antenna arrangement of a field detector according to another embodiment is shown; and

[0040] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for performing antenna measurements according to an embodiment is shown.

[0041] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They clarify the embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, help to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and the many advantages mentioned become apparent from the drawings. Elements in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0042] Unless otherwise stated, in the accompanying drawings, identical, functionally equivalent, and comparable operating elements, features, and components are provided in each case with the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a measurement arrangement with a field detector according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 1 As can be seen, the device under test 100, particularly the antenna under test 110, can emit electromagnetic waves. Specifically, the antenna under test 110 can have a specific radiation pattern. This antenna pattern can be measured by a field detector, which will be described in more detail below. The field detector measures the radio frequency (RF) signal of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna 110. Based on the measured RF signal, the field detector determines the values ​​of the amplitude pattern and the phase pattern. The determined values ​​of the amplitude pattern and the phase pattern can be provided to the measuring device 200. For example, a wired communication link 210 can be used to provide signals to the measuring device 200 based on the amplitude pattern and the phase pattern.

[0044] Since the signals associated with the amplitude and phase patterns typically consist of only relatively low-frequency components, they can be transmitted via standard cables. In particular, it is not necessary to use dedicated RF cables or connectors to couple the output of the field detector to the input of the measuring device 200.

[0045] The field detector may include an antenna arrangement 1 and an RF circuit 2. The antenna arrangement 1 and the RF circuit 2 may be housed in a common enclosure 3. For example, the common enclosure may shield the components within the enclosure 3 from electromagnetic interference or mechanical shock.

[0046] Antenna array 1 may include a plurality of individual antennas 11-14. Specifically, antenna arrangement 1 may include an antenna arrangement having three or four antennas 11-14. The plurality of antennas 11-14 may be arranged, for example, on a common plane. The common plane may be perpendicular to an axis pointing towards the antenna 100 under test. In particular, the plurality of antennas 11-14 may share a common center point 15. For example, the plurality of antennas 11-14 may be electrically coupled to each other at this common center point 15. The edge of each antenna 11-15 may be welded to this common center point 15. Thus, the spatial arrangement of the individual antennas 11-14 relative to each other can be clearly described by sharing this common center point 15.

[0047] Antennas 11-14 of antenna arrangement 1 can be any type of suitable antenna for receiving RF waves within a desired frequency range. For example, the antennas can be horn antennas, microstrip antennas, or any other type of suitable antenna. Each antenna 11-14 can receive electromagnetic waves, particularly those emitted by the antenna under test 110. Antennas 11-14 can output an RF signal corresponding to the received wave.

[0048] As described above, the field detector also includes an RF circuit 2. The RF circuit 2 can be directly connected to the antennas 11-14 of the antenna arrangement 1. For example, the output of each antenna 11-14 can be electrically connected to the corresponding input of the RF circuit 2. Specifically, no other components need to be arranged between the output of the antennas 11-14 and the corresponding input of the RF circuit 2. However, if necessary, a small RF conductive element (e.g., a short wire) can be used to electrically connect the output of the antennas 11-14 to the corresponding input of the RF circuit 2. Such an additional conductive element can be omitted if feasible.

[0049] RF circuit 2 can receive the RF wave signal measured by antennas 11-14 of antenna arrangement 1. Based on the received wave, RF circuit 2 can determine the values ​​of the radiation pattern used to describe the amplitude and / or phase according to the RF wave measured by antennas 11-14 of antenna arrangement 1. The determination of the amplitude and phase values ​​of each radiation pattern will be described in more detail below.

[0050] RF circuit 2 may include an adder 21 and a subtractor 22. The adder 21 can receive RF wave signals measured by antennas 11-14 of antenna arrangement 1 and add the RF signals provided by two of the antennas 11-14 separately. Therefore, pairwise addition of RF signals provided by antennas 11-14 of antenna arrangement 1 can be performed by the adder 21. For example, a separate adder unit can be provided for each addition operation of the RF signals. In particular, the addition of RF signals can be performed using only passive components. Specifically, active components such as amplifiers can be avoided when adding RF signals. Therefore, each adder unit of the adder 21 can output the sum of the two received input signals. For example, the adder 21 can output the sum of each combination of the two antennas 11-14. However, the sum of the corresponding RF signals can also be constructed by considering only horizontally or vertically adjacent antennas 11-14. Any other scheme for selecting an appropriate number of combinations to determine the sum of the RF signals is also feasible.

[0051] Similar to the operation of the adder 21, the subtractor 22 can also receive signals provided by antennas 11-14 of antenna arrangement 1 and determine the difference between the two RF signals respectively. The determination of the difference can also be performed by passive components rather than any active element such as an amplifier. The sum of the RF signals generated by the adder 21 and the difference generated by the subtractor 22 can be provided to the determining device 23. The determining device 23 can determine the amplitude and phase values ​​based on the provided sum and difference of the RF signals. For example, the determining device 23 can determine the amplitude value, which can correspond to the sum of the RF signals from the two antennas 11-14 respectively. Furthermore, the phase value can be determined by dividing the difference between the signals from the two antennas 11-14 by the sum of the two signals from the respective antennas 11-14. In this way, the amplitude and phase values ​​can be determined based on the RF waves measured by antennas 11-14, without considering the individual phases of the measured signals. Alternatively, the amplitude and phase values ​​can be determined solely based on the measured sum and difference of the RF waves. The determination of amplitude and phase values ​​can be performed entirely by passive components, without requiring any active components. Furthermore, amplitude and phase values ​​can be determined without referencing any reference phase, etc.

[0052] RF circuit 2 may also include a power measurement device 24 for determining the power value of the measured RF wave. For example, the power value of each signal provided by the respective antennas 11-14 can be determined. For this purpose, the power measurement device 24 may include any kind of suitable component. In particular, the power measurement can be performed entirely by passive components such as power measurement diodes. Therefore, the amplitude and / or phase values ​​can also be determined by taking the results of the power measurement into account. For example, the amplitude and phase values ​​can be normalized based on the measured power values.

[0053] Therefore, the determining device 23 can provide a suitable radiation pattern to characterize the amplitude and / or phase of the RF waves measured by the antennas 11-14 of the antenna arrangement 1. For example, a 2x2 radiation pattern can be provided according to the configuration of the antennas 11-14 of the antenna arrangement 1. However, any other suitable radiation pattern is also possible. In particular, if only three antennas 11-14 can be used in the antenna arrangement 1, the configuration of the antenna radiation pattern can be adjusted accordingly.

[0054] The amplitude and phase values ​​can be provided by the output 25 of RF circuit 2. For example, all determined amplitude and phase values ​​can be combined into a single signal and provided at the output port of RF circuit 2. However, the output 25 of RF circuit 2 can also include multiple ports. For example, a separate output port can be provided for each determined amplitude or phase value. The determined values ​​for amplitude and phase can be provided, for example, by analog signals corresponding to the determined values ​​respectively. However, any other scheme for providing the determined values ​​is also feasible. For example, the determined values ​​can also be provided by pulse width modulated signals, etc. Since the determined values ​​for amplitude and phase can be provided by signals with only low-frequency components, there is no need to consider special requirements for the signal line 210 that connects the output of RF circuit 2 to another measuring device 200. In particular, no special RF cable is required, especially no phase-stabilized cable is required to connect the field detector to the measuring device 200.

[0055] Based on the values ​​determined for amplitude and phase, any kind of appropriate analysis can be performed. For example, the determined values ​​can be used to analyze the radiation pattern of the antenna 110 under test. In particular, the near field of the antenna 110 under test can be measured. Since the amplitude and phase values ​​of the measured antenna pattern can be determined, the result can also be used, for example, for near-field to far-field conversion.

[0056] A field detector can be used to measure any type of RF wave. In particular, it can measure the RF wave of a continuous wave signal emitted by the antenna 110 of the device under test 100. However, the field detector measurements can also be applied to modulated signals.

[0057] The field detector can be used to measure amplitude and phase within any suitable range. For this purpose, the configuration of various components such as antennas 11-14 and the characteristics of components for RF circuit 2 can be adjusted to the desired frequency range. For example, the field detector can be used to measure electromagnetic waves in a frequency range up to 6 GHz. In particular, the field detector can be used to measure signals in frequency range 1 (FR1) of 5G New Radio (5G NR). However, measurements can also be performed in any other suitable frequency range (e.g., FR2 of 5G NR).

[0058] The field detector can be implemented, for example, using conventional discrete components. As mentioned above, it is desirable to directly connect the antennas 11-14 of the antenna array 1 to the RF circuit 2. However, an on-chip antenna device, for example, can also be used. Therefore, the configuration of the antennas 11-14 for the antenna arrangement 1 can be implemented on a single-chip carrier, such as a silicon waver.

[0059] Furthermore, the antenna array 1 and RF circuit 2 can even be integrated into a single system-on-a-chip (SoC) arrangement. In such an SoC arrangement, all components of the antenna array 1 and RF circuit 2 can be implemented on a single chip (e.g., on a common silicon waveguide).

[0060] The field detector described above can be used to measure the radiation pattern of any type of device 110 that emits electromagnetic waves. For example, the field detector can be used to measure the antenna pattern of an antenna or antenna system of a communication system such as a base station or mobile communication device. However, the field detector can also be used to measure the electromagnetic characteristics of any other device. For example, the electromagnetic characteristics of large-sized devices such as automobiles, trucks, ships, air transport equipment (such as airplanes), satellites, or any device that emits electromagnetic waves can be measured. In particular, the electromagnetic characteristics of devices with large dimensions (e.g., diameters greater than 1 m, greater than 2 m, greater than 5 m, or even greater than 10 m) can be measured.

[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a field detector according to an embodiment is shown. As can be seen in the figure, antenna arrangement 1 may include four antennas 11-14 having an almost square shape. Antennas 11-14 may share a common center point 15. As described above, antennas 11-14 may be electrically coupled at this shared center point 15. In addition, the field detector includes one or more RF circuits 2, which are directly connected to antennas 11-14. Therefore, no additional cable connection is required to connect the output ports of antennas 11-14 to the input ports of RF circuits 2. The results of RF circuits 2 (i.e., determined amplitude and phase) can be provided to another measuring device 200 through a suitable output port 25. As described above, the output port 25 of RF circuits 2 can be connected to measuring device 200 using simple signal lines.

[0062] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an antenna arrangement 1 according to an embodiment is shown. As described above, the antenna arrangement 1 may include three or four antennas 11-14. Although four antenna elements 11-14 are preferably used, they can also be arranged as follows: Figure 3The field detector is implemented using only three antennas 11-13. Therefore, this configuration with only three antennas 11-13 also allows for the determination of amplitude and phase values ​​in both the horizontal and vertical directions. However, it should be understood that, according to... Figures 1 to 3 The configuration of antennas 11-14 shown in the example does not limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any other suitable configuration of antenna arrangement 1 with three or four antennas 11-14 may also be feasible.

[0063] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for performing antenna measurements according to an embodiment is shown. This method may include any steps for performing the operations related to the field detector as described above. Therefore, the field detector described above may include any kind of element for performing the operations related to the method as described below.

[0064] Methods for performing antenna measurements, particularly methods for measuring antenna elements by phase-free measurement, may include step S1 for measuring radio frequency (RF) waves. The RF waves may be measured by an antenna arrangement comprising multiple antennas, including three or four antennas, wherein the multiple antennas share a common center point 15.

[0065] The method may further include steps S2 of adding the measured RF waves and S3 of subtracting the measured RF waves. In particular, the measured RF waves can be added and subtracted in pairs.

[0066] Furthermore, the method may include step S4 for determining the amplitude pattern of the device under test. Additionally or alternatively, step S4 may determine the phase pattern of the device under test 100. The amplitude pattern and / or phase pattern may be determined based on the results of adding and subtracting the RF waves.

[0067] In summary, this invention provides a field detector for antenna measurements using phase-free measurement. An antenna arrangement with three or four antennas measures RF waves. The measured RF waves are added and subtracted in pairs. Based on the results of the addition and subtraction operations, the amplitude and phase patterns are determined. Thus, the amplitude and phase patterns of electromagnetic waves emitted by the device under test can be determined using a completely passive device.

[0068] In the foregoing detailed description, various features have been combined in one or more examples or instances for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure. It should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the scope of this invention. Many other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the foregoing description.

[0069] The specific terminology used in the foregoing description is intended to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, based on the description provided herein, that some specific details may be unnecessary for carrying out the invention. Therefore, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the invention is presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments, and to make various modifications thereto, to suit the particular purpose contemplated. Throughout the specification, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as concise English equivalents of the corresponding terms “including” and “in which”, respectively. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects or establish any order of importance.

[0070] List of reference numerals

[0071] 1 Antenna Arrangement

[0072] 2 RF circuit

[0073] 3. Outer shell

[0074] 11-14 antenna

[0075] 15. Center point

[0076] 21 Adding device

[0077] 22 Subtraction device

[0078] 23. Determining device

[0079] 24 Power measuring device

[0080] 25 Output terminal

[0081] 100 Devices under test

[0082] 110 Antenna under test

[0083] 200 Measuring Device

[0084] 210 signal line

[0085] S1..S4 Method steps.

Claims

1. A field detector for performing antenna measurements via phase-free measurement, the field detector comprising: Antenna arrangement (1), the antenna arrangement comprising multiple antennas of three or four antennas (11-14), wherein the multiple antennas (11-14) share a common center point (15), and each of the multiple antennas (11-14) is configured to measure radio frequency waves emitted by the device under test (100); and The radio frequency (RF) circuit (2) is directly connected to the plurality of antennas (11-14) and is configured to receive measured RF waves from each of the plurality of antennas (11-14), add the measured RF waves, subtract the measured RF waves, and determine the amplitude pattern of the device under test (100) based on the result of the added RF waves, and / or determine the phase pattern of the device under test (100) by dividing the difference of the subtracted RF waves by the corresponding sum of the added RF waves.

2. The field detector according to claim 1, wherein, The RF circuit (2) includes an adder (21) configured to add the measured RF waves in pairs, and The RF circuit (2) is configured to determine the amplitude of the amplitude pattern based solely on the sum of the added RF waves.

3. The field detector according to claim 2, wherein, The RF circuit (2) includes a subtraction device (22) configured to subtract measured RF waves in pairs.

4. The field detector according to claim 1, wherein, The RF circuit (2) includes a power measurement device (24) configured to determine the power value of the measured RF wave, and The RF circuit (2) is configured to also determine the amplitude and / or phase value by taking into account the determined power value.

5. The field detector according to claim 1, wherein, The amplitude pattern and / or the phase pattern are determined without referring to a reference phase.

6. The field detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The RF circuit (2) is arranged on a printed circuit board, and The printed circuit board is directly coupled to the antenna arrangement (1).

7. The field detector according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of antennas (11-14) are connected to the printed circuit board without any additional wires.

8. The field detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, wherein, The antenna arrangement (1) is implemented as an on-chip antenna device.

9. The field detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The antenna arrangement (1) and the RF circuit (2) are implemented as a system-on-a-chip device.

10. The field detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, the field detector comprising a housing (3) that houses the antenna arrangement (1) and the RF circuitry (2).

11. The field detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, wherein, The RF circuit (2) includes an output terminal configured to output an output signal according to a determined amplitude pattern and / or a determined phase pattern.

12. The field detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, wherein, The RF circuit (2) is configured to add and subtract RF waves of continuous wave signals and / or modulated RF signals.

13. The field detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, wherein, The antenna arrangement (1) is configured to measure RF waves in a frequency range up to 6 GHz.

14. The field detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, wherein, The antenna arrangement (1) is configured to measure RF waves within the frequency range 1 FR1 of the 5G New Radio (NR).

15. The field detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, wherein, The antenna arrangement (1) is configured to measure the radiation pattern of a device under test (100) having a diameter greater than 1 meter.

16. A method for performing antenna measurements via phase-free measurement, the method comprising: Radio frequency (RF) waves are measured (S1) by an antenna arrangement (1) including multiple antennas among three or four antennas (11-14), wherein the multiple antennas (11-14) share a common center point (15). The measured RF waves are summed (S2); Subtract the measured RF waves (S3); and The amplitude pattern of the device under test (100) is determined based on the result of the sum of the RF waves, and / or the phase pattern of the device under test (100) is determined by dividing the difference of the subtracted RF waves by the corresponding sum of the added RF waves (S4).

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