Active Antenna RF Index Testing via Near-Field Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional methods for testing radio frequency indices of active antenna systems are inefficient and costly, particularly due to the integrated structure of active antenna systems, which makes direct radio frequency port testing challenging, and over-the-air (OTA) tests require specialized equipment and environments, making them unsuitable for production batch testing.
Innovation Solution
A probe-type testing method and apparatus that uses a testing cover with a vector network analyzer for cable loss calibration and near-field coupling environment calibration, allowing for radio frequency index testing by compensating the test environment based on calibration results, and also includes OTA testing for spatial characteristics in a simulation environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conduction test method is used on active antenna system, then radio frequency port test can be performed, but the integrated topological structure must be destroyed and test complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a testing cover as an intermediary device that couples to the antenna feeder part of the active antenna system. This testing cover includes a test probe that can non-invasively measure radio frequency characteristics at the antenna interface without requiring disassembly of the integrated structure. The testing cover acts as a mediator between the measurement system and the active antenna system, enabling conduction testing while preserving the integrated topological structure.
2Measurement precision
If OTA test method is used, then spatial characteristic and radio frequency characteristic can be fully tested, but test cost increases and test efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing process into two distinct parts: (1) radio frequency index testing using the conduction method through the testing cover, and (2) spatial characteristic testing using OTA method. This segmentation allows the majority of tests (RF indices) to be performed efficiently using conduction methods, while only spatial characteristics require OTA testing. The segmentation principle enables selective application of testing methods based on the specific measurement requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If OTA test is performed in closed high and low temperature environment, then CE authorization test can be conducted, but test implementation becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of the testing cover in a controlled environment at the beginning of the testing process. This preliminary calibration establishes baseline measurements for the near-field coupling environment between the test probe and antenna dipoles. By performing this calibration action in advance, the system can subsequently conduct tests under various environmental conditions (including high and low temperature) without requiring complete re-calibration, thereby simplifying the implementation of environmental adaptation tests.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves testing efficiency and reduces costs, enabling effective radio frequency and spatial characteristic testing of active antenna systems, suitable for batch production and certification, while maintaining compatibility with traditional testing standards and environments.
Implementation Method 1
calibrating for a near field coupling environment between each dipole of the antenna part and the testing cover through moving the test probe
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for testing a radio frequency index and a wireless index of an active antenna system are provided. A probe-type testing cover based on a near field coupling mode is adopted to test the radio frequency index of the tested active antenna system. The method comprises testing cover monomer calibration, testing cover environment calibration, radio frequency index test, putting the tested active antenna system into the testing cover, wherein the test environment is the same as the calibration environment, and performing radio frequency test on the tested active antenna system through a radio frequency port of a test probe after compensating the test environment according to a calibration result obtained from the calibration. Further a comprehensive testing method is provided. An over the air (OTA) test is adopted to test spatial characteristic of the active antenna system; and the near field coupling mode is adopted to test the radio frequency index of the active antenna system, respectively. The advantages of the two testing methods are fully combined, and the defects and problems of the two testing methods are overcome and solved, thereby optimizing the test efficiency and the test cost.