Methods and systems for testing beamforming capabilities of wireless devices

Abstract

In some embodiments, the positioning system is configured to locate multiple antennas of the device under test (DUT). According to one embodiment, the positioning system includes a first locator configured to hold the DUT and provide movement of the DUT about a first axis; and a second locator configured to hold the first antenna and provide movement of the first antenna about a second axis.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of application number 2018102838647, filed on April 2, 2018, entitled "Method and System for Testing the Beamforming Capability of Wireless Devices".

[0003] Cross-references to related applications

[0004] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 480,937, filed April 3, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0005] This invention relates to electromagnetic measurement systems, and more particularly to a system and method for measuring improvements in the beamforming capability of wireless devices. Attached Figure Description

[0006] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the invention and its accompanying advantages and features will be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of a positioning system used to test the beamforming capabilities of wireless devices;

[0008] Figure 2 A view showing potential interference between the antenna locator and the antenna;

[0009] Figure 3 How to avoid Figure 2 A view of the interference in the image;

[0010] Figure 4 A view of another positioning system used to test the beamforming capabilities of wireless devices;

[0011] Figure 5 A view showing potential interference between the first antenna locator, the second antenna locator, and / or the base structure;

[0012] Figure 6 How to avoid Figure 5 A view of the interference in the image;

[0013] Figure 7 A view showing the coordinate system of the rotation angle;

[0014] Figure 8 A view of another positioning system;

[0015] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Exploded view of the positioning system;

[0016] Figure 10 A view for another alternative positioning system;

[0017] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Exploded view of the positioning system;

[0018] Figure 12 A view for another alternative positioning system;

[0019] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for testing the beamforming capability of a wireless device; and

[0020] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process for testing the beamforming capability of a wireless device, while avoiding the interference described above. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the embodiments primarily exist in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to testing the beamforming capabilities of wireless devices. Accordingly, components are indicated by conventional symbols in the drawings where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments are shown so as not to obscure this disclosure from the details that would be obvious to those skilled in the art upon benefit from this specification.

[0022] As used herein, relational terms such as “first” and “second”, “top” and “bottom” may be used only to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between these entities or elements.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electromagnetic measurement apparatus 100 used for testing a device under test (DUT) 1, such as a wireless device. A first single-axis rotary positioner 2, such as a turntable, is configured to be mounted on the DUT 1. The first positioner 2 has a support structure 3 that is rotatable relative to a base structure 4 about a first rotation axis passing through the center of the test volume containing the DUT 1. Note that in some embodiments, the positioner 2 is not merely a base, but may be a platform or other structure to which the DUT may be attached or fixed.

[0024] exist Figure 1In some embodiments, the second single-axis positioner 5 is configured with a second rotation axis orthogonal to the rotation axis of the first positioner 2. Furthermore, the second rotation axis of the second positioner 5 intersects the first rotation axis of the first positioner 2 at the center of the test volume containing the DUT1. In some embodiments, the positioner 5 includes an arcuate track 6, along which a movable carrier 7 can rotate relative to the track about the axis of the second positioner 5. The movable carrier 7 holds the first antenna 8. In some embodiments, the second positioner 5 is attached to the base or other support structure of the first positioner 2. However, in cases such as... Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the second locator 5 is attached to the floor 9. The first antenna 8 is attached to the carrier 7 so that the first antenna can move about a second axis relative to the arcuate track 7 and the base 4. Through the combined action of the orthogonal locators 2 and 5, the antenna 8 can be placed at any desired location around the DUT1.

[0025] The third single-axis rotary positioner 10 includes a turntable top 11 and a base 12, which are movable relative to each other about a third rotation axis that coincides with a first rotation axis of the first positioner 2. One side of the positioner 10 is fixed such that the other side of the positioner 10 is movable relative to the support structure 2 and the DUT1. In some embodiments, the base 12 of the positioner 10 is attached to the floor 9, and it may also be attached to the base 4 of the positioner 2. In some embodiments, the base 4 of the positioner 2 may be attached to the top 11 of the positioner 10, and the base 12 of the positioner 10 is subsequently attached to the floor 9 or other support structure. Various other stacking methods may also provide at least two degrees of rotational movement for the DUT1.

[0026] The fourth single-axis rotary positioner 13 is configured with a rotation axis that is orthogonal to and intersects with the rotation axes of the first and third positioners 2 and 10 passing through the center of the test volume. In some embodiments, positioner 13 includes a support arm 14 attached to a base 15 such that the support arm 14 rotates relative to the base 15 about a fourth axis, which is orthogonal to the rotation axes of positioners 2 and 10. The base 15 of positioner 13 is attached to the top 11 of positioner 10 such that positioner 13 moves relative to DUT1 and positioner 5 when positioner 10 moves. A first measuring antenna 16 is attached to the support arm 14 such that antenna 16 moves relative to the base 15 and positioner 10 about the fourth axis. Through the combined action of orthogonal positioners 10 and 13, antenna 16 can be placed at any desired location around DUT1. Through the combined action of all positioners, antennas 8 and 16 can be placed at any desired location around DUT1 and relative to each other. Therefore, device 100 can test DUT2 by transmitting from the first antenna 8 in one direction and receiving from the second antenna 16 in another direction, and vice versa. Device 100 can also test DUT2 by transmitting and / or receiving from each of the multiple measurement antennas.

[0027] In some embodiments, a bipolar antenna can be used to measure two orthogonal polarizations simultaneously or sequentially. Note that DUT1 can be the wireless device under test, more specifically, a cordless phone, laptop, access point, tablet, base station, or any device capable of wirelessly communicating with another wireless device. Also note that device 100 can be placed in an anechoic chamber and can have radio frequency (RF) absorbers for various components attached to device 100.

[0028] Figure 2 The potential interference is shown when the support arm 14 of the locator 13 blocks the antenna 8 on the carrier 7 of the locator 5. Figure 3 This shows how the locator 10 is positioned in conjunction with... Figure 2 Rotating in the opposite direction can achieve, for example Figure 2 The antenna 16 is positioned in the same location as shown, without needing to block the antenna 8. This is achieved through... Figure 2 The configuration shown and Figure 3 Moving the configurations shown causes a 180-degree phase shift in the signal received by antenna 16. This phase shift can be interpreted in an algorithm that determines the relative positions to achieve a given set of angles (Φ, θ). Furthermore, those skilled in electromagnetic measurement systems will understand that relative movement between parts A and B can be achieved by moving part A relative to part B, and vice versa. For example, the DUT can move relative to the antenna, and / or the antenna can move relative to the DUT.

[0029] Figure 4 In another embodiment of the testing apparatus 100, wherein Figure 1 The locator 5 is positioned by a single-axis rotary locator 20 having a base 17 and a support arm 18, which can carry the antenna 8. In some embodiments, the support arm 18 rotates about an axis orthogonal to the rotation axes of the locators 2 and 10. The base structure 17 is fixed to the floor 9.

[0030] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates potential interference that occurs when the support arm 14 of locator 13 interferes with either the base structure 17 of locator 20 or one of the second support arms 18. This interference can be avoided by rotating the second support arm 14 180 degrees in the opposite direction and rotating the locator 10 approximately 180 degrees. However, this may still result in interference between the outer peripheral antenna and the inner locator 13. This is because the locator 13 can be modified to handle gaps in all directions, as it is impossible to find a changeover position for mechanical triggering without introducing a shielding position. Figure 6 Another embodiment for overcoming potential mechanical interference is shown in the figure. Figure 6As shown, support arm 14 is bent to avoid contact with base 17 or support arm 18. Similarly, the second support arm 18 may also be bent. In addition, or optionally, base structures 15 and 17 are spaced apart to avoid mechanical interference between the first and second support arms 14 and 18.

[0031] Note that each of the movable elements of the different positioners 2, 10, 13, and 20 can be mechanically driven by an electric motor and / or a mechanical linkage connected to the motor. The electric motor and mechanical linkage can be controlled by a computer operating under software guidance. The computer can execute algorithms for locating the antenna to avoid mechanical interference.

[0032] Figure 7 The positioning of antennas 8 and 16 relative to the DUT is shown, specified by angles θ1, θ2, φ1, and φ2. Angle φ2 corresponds to a clockwise (or counterclockwise) rotation of support structure 3, and θ2 corresponds to a clockwise (or counterclockwise) rotation of support arm 18. φ' is defined as a clockwise rotation of locator 2, θ' as a clockwise rotation of support arm 14 mounted on locator 20, and then by default, θ' = θ1 and φ' = φ2 - φ1. However, the same physical antenna position can be defined as θ' ​​= -θ1 and φ' = φ2 - φ1 ± 180°. Which of the two possible orientations is used depends on the interference position of support arm 14 with support arm 18 or base 17, and... Figure 7 For the right-handed coordinate system shown, the following pseudocode algorithm can be used to select it:

[0033] phi_p = phi_2 – phi_1;

[0034] theta_p = theta_1;

[0035] while(phi_p>180){phi_p=phi_p–360;}

[0036] while(phi_p<-180){phi_p=phi_p+360;}

[0037] if(phi_p>0){phi_p=phi_p–180;theta_p=-theta_1;}

[0038] where phi_p=φ',phi_2–phi_1=φ2–φ1,theta_p=θ',and theta_1=θ1

[0039] Figure 8Another embodiment of the positioning system is shown, comprising a first locator 22, a second locator 24, a third locator 26, a fourth locator consisting of a base 28 and a support arm 30, a fifth locator consisting of a base 32 and a support arm 34, and a sixth locator consisting of a base 36 and a support arm 38. Each support arm is configured to support an antenna. The fourth locator is mounted on the second locator 24 and rotates as the second locator 24 rotates. The fifth locator is mounted on the third locator 26 and rotates as the third locator 26 rotates. In some embodiments, the base 36 of the sixth locator may be fixed to the floor of the test facility. Figure 9 for Figure 8 The exploded view configured in the middle shows multiple degrees of motion. Figure 9 In the first positioner 22, the second positioner 24, and the third positioner 26, there are coaxial annular rings. The first annular ring 22 is assembled inside the second annular ring 24, and the second annular ring 24 is assembled inside the third annular ring 26.

[0040] On the contrary, Figure 10 Another configuration is shown in which the first locator 22, the second locator 24, and the third locator 26 are stacked. Figure 11 for Figure 11 An exploded view of the configuration. In some embodiments, rotation of the third locator 26 causes rotation of the second locator 24 and the first locator 22. In some embodiments, rotation of the second locator 24 causes rotation of the first locator 22. Thus, the rotations of locators 22, 24, and 26 are independent and / or differential.

[0041] It should be noted that although the fourth and fifth positioners are shown with bases 28 and 32 and support arms 30 and 34 respectively, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these positioners can take different forms, which equivalently provide the antenna with a degree of freedom of movement in the θ direction while being subject to movement in the φ direction. Thus, generally speaking, these support structures can serve as positioners or as positioners having or supporting antennas. It should also be noted that although the first, second, and third support structures shown are turntables or include turntables, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these support structures can take different forms, which equivalently provide a degree of freedom of movement in the φ direction while supporting one of the bases 28 and 32. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that, for example, transmission devices and mechanical components, as disclosed herein, can be provided to facilitate the movement of the support structures driven by an electric motor.

[0042] It should also be noted that, although the first, second and fourth support structures shown are coaxial and share a common axis, other embodiments may be constructed such that one support structure is offset relative to another support structure.

[0043] Therefore, for example, in some embodiments, a first locator having a first axis moves the DUT relative to a second locator having a second axis and holds the first antenna. A third locator may be introduced, which moves relative to the first and second locators or one of them and holds the second antenna. Additional locators and antennas may be added if space permits.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a view of another alternative positioning system, where the spherical coordinate system has been rotated relative to a fixed reference. Figure 12 The positioning system includes a fixed positioner 40 with an antenna 42. A rotating platform 44 provides rotation for a second positioner 46 and for the DUT 1. A third positioner 48 is rotatably attached to the second positioner 46, which holds the antenna 50. This positioner also provides multiple degrees of freedom for the antenna to move around the DUT.

[0045] Furthermore, although different spherical positioning systems share a common φ-axis to maintain a common coordinate system, they do not need to be coaxial / concentric. Completely independent spherical positioning systems with different coordinate systems (θ1, φ1) and (θ2, φ2) such that Δθ≠θ1-θ2 and Δφ≠φ1-φ2 ​​can still be used for global surface coverage, where the relative deviations are determined using appropriate spherical coordinate transformations. It should also be noted that coordinate transformations can be applied in real time such that, although the target location is defined in a common spherical coordinate system, the desired angle associated with each locator may not correspond to a single θ or φ coordinate (i.e., there is no specific θ locator or φ locator). In fact, if the net set of locations accessible by the combined positioning system covers the desired surface around the DUT, it is not even necessary for any two locators in a given coordinate system to be orthogonal. However, using arbitrary positioning systems may affect the definition of polarization, and an electro- or mechanical rotation of the polarization direction may be required to satisfy an arbitrary desired polarization direction. Therefore, in some embodiments, the relative amplitude and phase of the signal fed to the bipolar antenna element by electrical control can be provided to produce any desired arbitrary elliptic polarization.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process for testing the beamforming capability of a wireless device. The process includes transmitting a signal from a first antenna mounted on a first locator to the DUT (box S100). The process also includes detecting a radiation pattern generated by the beamforming capability of the wireless device in response to the transmitted signal by rotating a probe antenna 16 in at least one of the φ and θ directions around the wireless device (box S102). Rotating the probe antenna in the φ direction involves rotating the probe antenna about an axis passing through the wireless device. Rotating the probe antenna in the θ direction involves rotating the probe antenna 5 about an axis orthogonal to the axis passing through the wireless device.

[0047] Therefore, in some embodiments, the positioning system 100 can be used to measure the power radiated by the DUT to provide interference via one of antennas 8 and 16 and determine the DUT's response to the interference, including the DUT's ability to overcome the interference. Other measurements can also be facilitated by these means. Note that while the location can be represented in spherical coordinates, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process for testing the beamforming capability of a device under test (DUT). The process includes sequentially positioning a first antenna to a plurality of first positions relative to the DUT (box S104). For each position of the first antenna, the process also includes sequentially positioning a second antenna to a plurality of second positions (box S106). For each position of the first and second antennas, the process also includes transmitting from the first antenna and measuring radiation from the wireless device by the second antenna (box S108). When positioning the first and second antennas respectively, a locator holding one antenna can rotate in a calculated direction to avoid interference between the support arm of one locator and the support arm and base of the other locator (box S110).

[0049] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that suitable RF / wireless test equipment can be attached to antennas 8 and 16 directly or via an RF cable through the path of the positioning system, and that the test equipment can be automated in conjunction with the aforementioned locators to provide any desired wireless testing.

[0050] Therefore, some embodiments include a positioning system for testing a device under test (DUT), the positioning system being configured to position at least two antennas. The positioning system includes a support structure on which the DUT can be positioned. The positioning system also includes a first antenna positioner movable relative to the DUT about two axes of a first set of axes and configured to hold a first of the at least two antennas such that the first of the at least two antennas can move relative to the DUT about the two axes of the first set of axes. The positioning system also includes a second antenna positioner movable relative to the DUT about two axes of a second set of axes and configured to hold a second of the at least two antennas such that the second of the at least two antennas can move relative to the DUT about the two axes of the second set of axes.

[0051] In some embodiments, the support structure on which the DUT is positioned is movable about at least one axis. In some embodiments, the two axes of the first set of axes are orthogonal. In some embodiments, the position of the first of the at least two antennas is fixed relative to a fixed reference frame. In some embodiments, the DUT is fixed relative to a fixed reference frame. In some embodiments, the movement of the first antenna locator relative to the DUT about the two axes includes rotation about an axis passing through the test volume. In some embodiments, the movement of the second antenna locator relative to the DUT about the two axes includes rotation about an axis orthogonal to the axis passing through the test volume. In some embodiments, the first locator is capable of moving relative to the DUT about only the two axes. In some embodiments, the first locator is configured to hold the first of the at least two antennas such that the first of the at least two antennas can rotate about an axis passing through it to achieve a selected polarization of the first of the at least two antennas. In some embodiments, the first and second antenna elements are dipole antenna elements whose polarization is controlled by electrically controlling the relative amplitude and phase of the signals fed to the dipole antenna elements.

[0052] In some embodiments, a positioning system for testing a device under test (DUT) is provided, configured to position at least two antennas. The system includes a support structure on which the DUT is positioned, the support structure being movable about at least one axis relative to a fixed reference frame. The positioning system also includes a first antenna positioner movable about at least two axes relative to the DUT and configured to hold a first of the at least two antennas such that the first of the at least two antennas is movable about at least two axes relative to the DUT. The positioning system also includes a second antenna positioner fixed relative to the fixed reference frame, configured to hold a second of the at least two antennas pointing toward the test volume located at the DUT.

[0053] In some embodiments, the movement of the first antenna locator relative to the DUT about two axes includes rotation about an axis passing through the test volume. In some embodiments, the support structure is capable of rotation about an axis passing through the test volume. In some embodiments, the support structure is capable of movement about two axes. In some embodiments, the first locator is capable of movement relative to the DUT about only two axes.

[0054] In some embodiments, a positioning system is provided for testing a device under test (DUT), and is configured to position at least two antennas. The positioning system includes a first positioner configured to support the DUT and a first of the at least two antennas, and configured to provide relative motion between the first of the at least two antennas and the DUT. The positioning system also includes a second positioner configured to support a second of the at least two antennas, and configured to provide relative motion between the second of the at least two antennas and at least one of the DUT and the first of the at least two antennas.

[0055] In some embodiments, a first locator is configured to provide relative rotational movement between a first of at least two antennas and the DUT about at least a first axis. In some embodiments, a second locator is configured to provide relative rotational movement between a second of at least two antennas and the DUT about at least a second axis. In some embodiments, the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. In some embodiments, the first locator includes a first support structure configured to support the DUT and rotate about a first axis passing through the DUT; and a second support structure configured to support the first of at least two antennas and rotate such that the first of the at least two antennas can rotate about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. In some embodiments, the second locator includes a base structure configured to support a locator arm configured to hold the second of at least two antennas and rotate about a second axis. In some embodiments, the first locator is configured such that the DUT is fixed relative to a fixed reference frame. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least two antennas is rotated about an axis passing through it to adjust the polarization direction of at least one antenna.

[0056] Examples include:

[0057] Example 1. An electromagnetic measurement device for testing wireless devices, the device comprising:

[0058] A first structure is configured to mount a device under test thereon. The first structure is rotatable about the z-axis, which is perpendicular to the xy plane in a rectangular coordinate system.

[0059] A platform coaxial with the z-axis, a first structure rotating about the z-axis, and the platform being able to rotate about the z-axis independently of the rotation of the first structure;

[0060] The first arm is mounted on the platform and can move on the platform when the platform rotates. The first arm is rotatable in a plane parallel to the z-axis.

[0061] The second arm is fixed relative to the xy plane and has a movable element that can move in an arc within the yz plane, wherein the yz plane includes the z-axis and the first structure and platform can rotate about the z-axis;

[0062] The first antenna is mounted on the first arm and pointed towards the device under test; and

[0063] The second antenna is mounted on the moving part and pointed at the location of the device under test.

[0064] Example 2. The apparatus according to Example 1 further includes:

[0065] The third arm is fixed relative to the base and platform; and

[0066] The antenna is mounted on the third arm and pointed at the device under test.

[0067] Example 3. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the movable member is configured to rotate about an axis passing through the movable member and perpendicular to the y-axis.

[0068] Example 4. An electromagnetic measurement device for testing wireless devices, the device comprising:

[0069] The first structure is configured to mount the device under test on it;

[0070] A second structure is configured to hold the first antenna, and the second and first structures are configured to be movable relative to each other, the relative movement including rotation of at least one of the first and second structures about an axis passing through the first structure; and

[0071] A third structure, configured to hold the second antenna, has a fixing member fixed relative to a first plane, wherein an axis passing through the first structure is perpendicular to the first plane, and the third structure has a movable member for holding the second antenna, the movable member being movable in a second plane, and the second plane containing an axis passing through the first structure, the first plane and the second plane being perpendicular to each other.

[0072] Example 5. The apparatus according to Example 4, wherein the first structure is rotatable about an axis passing through it.

[0073] Example 6. A method for measuring the beamforming capability of a wireless device, the method comprising:

[0074] Transmit the signal from the first antenna to the wireless device; and

[0075] The probe antenna is used to detect the radiation pattern generated by the beamforming capability of the wireless device in response to the signal by rotating the probe antenna in at least one of the φ and θ directions around the wireless device.

[0076] Example 7. The method according to Example 6, wherein rotating the probe antenna in the φ direction includes rotating the probe antenna about an axis passing through the wireless device.

[0077] Example 8. The method according to Example 6, wherein rotating the probe antenna in the θ direction includes rotating the probe antenna about an axis, wherein the axis is perpendicular to the axis passing through the wireless device.

[0078] As those skilled in the art will understand, some of the concepts described herein can be implemented as methods, data processing systems, and / or computer program products. Accordingly, the concepts described herein take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, all of which are generally referred to herein as “circuit” or “module.” Furthermore, the invention can take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer-readable storage medium having computer program code contained in a medium executable by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer-readable medium can be used, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0079] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program products. It should be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0080] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or storage medium that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of instruction including means of implementing functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0081] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0082] It should be understood that the functions / actions mentioned in the boxes may appear in an order not specified in the operating instructions. For example, depending on the functions / actions involved, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order. Although some diagrams include arrows on the communication path indicating the main direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the arrows depicted.

[0083] Computer program code used to perform the operations of the concepts described herein can be written in object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java or C++. However, computer program code used to perform the operations of this invention can also be written in a conventional procedural programming language such as the "C" programming language. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer as a standalone software package. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made on an external computer (e.g., via the Internet through an Internet service provider).

[0084] Many different embodiments have been disclosed in conjunction with the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. It will be understood that it would be excessive and obscure to describe and illustrate each combination and sub-combination of these embodiments literally. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any manner and / or combination, and this specification (including the accompanying drawings) should be construed as a complete written description of all combinations and sub-combinations constituting the embodiments described herein, as well as the ways and procedures of making and using them, and should support the claims for any such combinations or sub-combinations.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the embodiments described herein are not limited to those specifically shown and described above. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated above, it should be noted that all figures are not drawn to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings.

Claims

1. A positioning system (100) for testing a device under test (DUT) (1), the positioning system (100) being configured to locate at least one antenna, the positioning system (100) comprising: Base structure (4); A first single-axis positioner (2) configured to position the DUT (1) has a support structure (3) rotatable relative to the base structure (4) about a first rotation axis passing through the center of the test volume containing the DUT (1). as well as A second single-axis positioner (5, 20) is configured to rotate at least one antenna in an antenna about a second rotation axis orthogonal to the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis intersecting the first rotation axis at the center of the test volume containing the DUT (1); A third single-axis positioner (10) is configured to rotate about a first axis relative to the first single-axis positioner (2).

2. The positioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second single-axis positioner (5) includes an arcuate track (6) and a movable carrier (7) configured to hold the first antenna (8) and the movable carrier (7) is positionable along the arcuate track (6).

3. The positioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second single-axis positioner (5, 20) is attached to the base structure (4).

4. The positioning system (100) according to claim 1 further includes a fourth single-axis positioner (13) attached to the third single-axis positioner (10), the fourth single-axis positioner (13) including a first base (15) and a first support arm (14) configured to rotate relative to the first base (15).

5. The positioning system (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first base (15) is configured to move relative to the second single-axis positioner (5, 20).

6. The positioning system (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second single-axis positioner (20) includes a second base (17) and a second support arm (18) configured to rotate about the second rotation axis.

7. The positioning system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first support arm (14) is bent to avoid interference with the second support arm (18).

8. The positioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second single-axis positioner (5, 20) is attached to the third positioner, the third positioner being rotatable and including an annular ring (26).

9. The positioning system (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first base (15) is configured to move relative to the first single-axis positioner (2).

Images