Antenna Array AoX Testing With Automated Rail and Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing the performance of antenna arrays in locator devices are manual and time-consuming, lacking an automated approach.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a beacon device on a rail within a chamber, controlled by a motor, to emit direction detecting signals while a locator device captures I and Q values, allowing for automated characterization of antenna arrays through comparison of actual and calculated angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual testing methods are used in an anechoic chamber, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity is severely reduced and testing becomes highly time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with automated motor-driven systems. Motors automatically position the beacon device and rotate the locator device to predetermined angles, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining measurement precision. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by automating the testing process to improve productivity without sacrificing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system performs self-positioning and self-measurement operations. The automated system independently moves the beacon device, rotates the locator device, captures signals, and records data without requiring external manual operation. This self-service capability enables continuous automated testing, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining the precision required for antenna array characterization.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive angle coverage (azimuth and elevation) is achieved through manual positioning, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the comprehensive angular measurement task into segmented, automated operations. The beacon device position is controlled separately from the locator device rotation, with each component independently positioned by dedicated motors. This segmentation simplifies the overall system operation while achieving complete angular coverage through coordinated automated movements rather than complex manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that coordinates the automated positioning and measurement operations. The controller receives commands, automatically positions the beacon device and rotor, triggers signal capture, and records data. This intermediary layer simplifies user interaction while achieving comprehensive angular coverage through automated sequential operations, reducing operational complexity despite the completeness of measurements.
3Productivity
If automated motor control is implemented for beacon positioning and rotor rotation, then productivity is significantly improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional controller that handles diverse operations including beacon device positioning, rotor rotation control, signal capture triggering, and data recording. This single universal controller manages multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall device complexity while enabling high-level automation. The controller serves as a centralized coordination hub that simplifies the control architecture despite the sophisticated automated operations performed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for characterizing the performance of an antenna array in a locator device is disclosed. The system comprises a chamber having a locator device and a beacon device. The beacon device is disposed on a rail so as to move in a predictable path while emitting the direction detecting signal. A controller is used to move the beacon device and record its actual position. Phase or direction information collected from the locator device is then supplied to the controller. The controller then compares the actual position to the information received from the locator device and provides this comparison to the user. The path of the rail may allow elevation angles from 0° to 90°. Further, the locator device may rotate, allowing azimuth angles from 0° to at least 180°.