Contactless Antenna Measurement Aperture With Gap Waveguide Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna measurement techniques are costly and require large, precise facilities, especially at higher frequencies, where mechanical precision and dynamic range become challenging, and there is a need for simplified characterization methods.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device with a repetitive structure of protruding conductive elements that forms a gap waveguide structure, allowing electromagnetic signal propagation through a passage while attenuating signals in a specific frequency band, enabling accurate antenna characterization without expensive probes or anechoic chambers, and suitable for both slot and patch antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional antenna measurement techniques (far-field, near-field, compact range) are used, then antenna characteristics can be measured, but the measurement facilities require large footprint and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device segments the traditional large-scale measurement facility into a compact structure with multiple measurement apertures arranged in a grid pattern. Each aperture is surrounded by a repetitive structure that creates electromagnetic isolation, allowing the system to achieve far-field measurement capabilities in a near-field configuration, thereby reducing the required facility footprint while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The repetitive structure acts as an intermediary between the measurement aperture and the external environment. It creates an electromagnetically isolated environment that simulates far-field conditions without requiring the actual physical distance, enabling accurate antenna characterization in a compact space by mediating the electromagnetic field interactions
2Measurement precision
If measurement probes or anechoic chambers are used for antenna characterization, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the equipment becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of electromagnetic isolation and measurement capability from complex traditional systems like anechoic chambers and specialized probes. By using a repetitive structure of conductive elements that creates electromagnetic bandgap effects, the system achieves the necessary isolation and measurement accuracy using simpler, more cost-effective components
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device uses a planar, printed circuit board-based implementation with repetitive conductive structures that can be manufactured using standard PCB techniques. This approach replaces expensive, custom-built measurement probes and anechoic chamber structures with affordable, mass-producible components while maintaining measurement functionality
3Reliability
If electrical contact is required for electromagnetic sealing, then signal propagation can be controlled, but mechanical precision requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical contact-based electromagnetic sealing system with a field-based solution. The repetitive conductive structure creates electromagnetic bandgap effects that provide signal containment through electromagnetic field interactions rather than physical contact, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment and contact while maintaining reliable electromagnetic isolation
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
The device provides high-accuracy, cost-effective antenna characterization with reduced mechanical precision requirements, allowing for efficient measurement of antenna arrays and various frequency bands without electrical contact, and can be adapted for different geometries and frequency operations.
Implementation Method 1
The repetitive structure is configured to attenuate electromagnetic signal propagation past the repetitive structure, in a given frequency band, while allowing electromagnetic signal propagation via the passage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A measurement device (100) for measuring antenna characteristics of an antenna under test (150, AUT), the AUT having a radiating element (160), the measurement device (100) comprising an exterior surface (110), where a measurement aperture (120) is formed in the exterior surface, and a repetitive structure (130) is arranged on the exterior surface, the repetitive structure (130) comprising a plurality of protruding conductive elements (135) arranged to surround the measurement aperture (120) and to define a passage (140) into the measurement aperture (120), the repetitive structure (130) being configured to attenuate electromagnetic signal propagation in a frequency band past the repetitive structure (130) while allowing propagation via the passage (140).