Active Antenna Test Distribution Network for Connectorless Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale active antenna arrays without traditional antenna connectors cannot be traditionally tested, posing a challenge for calibration and performance evaluation.
Innovation Solution
An active antenna device comprising a transceiver array, a radio frequency calibration and test distribution network unit, an antenna passive distribution network unit, and S test connectors, which enables calibration and testing through directional couplers, power distributors, and synthesizers to combine and distribute radio frequency signals effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna connectors are used for testing, then traditional radiation test method can be applied, but large-scale active antenna arrays are provided without any traditional antenna connectors making testing impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces test signal distribution networks as intermediary components that couple the transceiver array to external testing equipment. These networks include power distributors and synthesizers that enable signal distribution without requiring traditional antenna connectors, thus bridging the gap between modern connectorless designs and traditional testing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The test signal distribution networks serve multiple functions: they distribute test signals to multiple transceivers, enable calibration operations, and provide testing capabilities all through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate traditional antenna connectors while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
2Reliability
If 128, 256, or 512 radio frequency cables are used to connect each antenna element with a transceiver, then complete signal transmission is achieved, but it becomes rather difficult to engineer and too difficult to guarantee their reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the massive cable system into functional groups by introducing test signal distribution networks. Instead of directly connecting each of the 128, 256, or 512 antenna elements to transceivers with individual cables, the system is divided into manageable segments handled by power distributors and synthesizers, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple radio frequency cable connections are merged into fewer connections through the test signal distribution networks. The power distributors and synthesizers combine multiple signal paths, reducing the number of individual cable connections from hundreds to a manageable few, thereby improving reliability and ease of engineering.
3Ease of manufacture
If active antennas are arranged in the large-scale antenna array without traditional connectors, then engineering difficulty is reduced, but traditional radiation test method cannot be used for testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces test signal distribution networks as intermediary components that enable testing of connectorless active antenna arrays. These networks provide a bridge between the modern connectorless architecture and traditional testing requirements, allowing radiation tests to be performed without requiring traditional antenna connectors.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are an active antenna device and a test method therefor, for resolving the problem that existing large-scale active antennae cannot be tested by using a traditional test method due to no traditional antenna connectors. The active antenna device comprises: a transceiver array, a radio frequency calibration and test distribution network unit, an antenna passive distribution network unit, an antenna array, and S test connectors, wherein the radio frequency calibration and test distribution network unit is connected to the transceiver array through N data channels and M calibration channels respectively and is connected to the test connectors, and the antenna passive distribution network unit is connected to the radio frequency calibration and test distribution network unit through N data channels and is connected to the antenna array through P data channels, N being a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, M being a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, P being a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and S being a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.