Annular Coupling Antenna Array for Millimeter Wave OTA Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic wave shield boxes fail to accurately test wireless terminals using millimeter wave signals due to interference from directly facing coupling antennas, leading to degraded performance tests, especially in OTA environments where standing waves are not effectively managed.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic wave shield box incorporates a design with a casing that holds multiple coupling antennas annularly, inclined at specific angles to concentrate radiation at a single point, and includes a radio wave absorber to minimize interference, allowing for accurate performance testing by suppressing standing waves and facilitating mobility and carrier aggregation tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coupling antennas are used for OTA testing, then test capability for high-speed communication is improved, but standing wave interference occurs between directly facing antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by tilting the coupling antennas at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane, breaking the direct facing symmetry between antennas. This angular offset prevents the formation of standing waves while maintaining the ability to perform comprehensive OTA testing with multiple antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional parameter by arranging antennas in a three-dimensional configuration rather than a flat two-dimensional plane. By tilting antennas at specific angles and positioning them at different heights, the system eliminates direct facing relationships while preserving test coverage capability.
2Device complexity
If coupling antennas are positioned to face each other directly, then signal transmission path is simplified, but standing waves are generated that degrade test accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing asymmetric angular positioning of coupling antennas. Instead of direct facing alignment, antennas are tilted at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane, which eliminates standing wave formation while maintaining manageable signal transmission paths through controlled geometric relationships.
3Measurement precision
If radio wave absorber is added to suppress standing waves, then test accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning coupling antennas at specific angular orientations (e.g., 45-degree tilt angles) that inherently prevent standing wave formation. This proactive geometric configuration eliminates the need for additional radio wave absorber materials, achieving test accuracy improvement without increasing device complexity.
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 configuration enables precise performance testing by eliminating standing wave interference, ensuring accurate communication protocols and high-speed communication capabilities in millimeter wave band tests, even with multiple LTE carriers.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnetic wave shield box includes a radio wave absorber to minimize interference
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic wave shield box 50 accommodates a DUT 100 having an antenna 110 and a coupling antenna 80 that is spatially coupled to the antenna 110, and includes a coupling antenna holding module 70 that arranges a plurality of the coupling antennas 80 annually so that an antenna surface is directed to a center of a ring, and holds the coupling antennas 80. The coupling antenna holding module 70 holds each coupling antenna 80 in a posture in which the coupling antenna 80 is inclined at, for example, 32 degrees with respect to a horizontal surface so that the respective coupling antennas 80 are able to radiate radio waves toward the same radiation point in upper positions, and is rotated by about 5 degrees around a center axis C1 in a direction orthogonal to a circumferential direction of the ring of the coupling antenna 80.