Antenna Array Quiet Zone Generator for Compact Far-Field Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring systems face challenges in achieving far-field conditions for device testing without requiring large and costly setups, and near-field measurements often result in inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system utilizing an antenna array and a quiet zone generator that applies beamforming to create adjustable and moveable quiet zones, allowing for accurate measurements at near-field distances without the need for extensive setups, and includes an analyzer and baseband/radio frequency units for precise beamforming and interference signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurements are performed at far-field distance to prevent influence of surrounding objects, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement setup becomes very large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic field parameters by using beamforming techniques to create a quiet zone with specific field characteristics. By controlling phase and amplitude of signals across the antenna array, the system creates a region with uniform plane wave conditions at much shorter distances than traditional far-field requirements, thus achieving far-field measurement accuracy in a compact near-field setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a quiet zone as an intermediary region between the antenna array and the device under test. This quiet zone acts as a mediator that provides far-field like conditions (uniform plane waves) without requiring the measuring object to be placed at traditional far-field distances, thereby enabling accurate measurements in a compact setup.
2Area of stationary object
If measurements are performed at near-field distance to reduce setup size, then measurement setup becomes compact, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the near-field electromagnetic environment into a far-field like environment by applying beamforming parameter changes. Through precise control of phase and amplitude across the antenna elements, the system creates a quiet zone with uniform plane wave characteristics, enabling accurate measurements at near-field distances without the typical near-field measurement inaccuracies.
3Measurement precision
If analog phase shifters and individual antennas are used to create planewave converter, then far-field conditions are achieved, but the implementation becomes very large scale and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional antenna array system that can operate in multiple modes: it can perform beamforming to create quiet zones, it can function as a planewave converter, and it can adapt to different measurement scenarios. This universal system replaces the need for separate, specialized components for each function, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining far-field condition achievement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of phase shifting, amplitude control, and beamforming into a single integrated antenna array system. By merging these functions that would traditionally require separate analog phase shifters and individual antenna configurations into one unified digital beamforming system, the implementation becomes more compact and cost-effective while achieving the same far-field conditions.
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
Enables accurate and flexible measurements under far-field conditions at significantly shorter distances, reducing interference and allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple devices with a compact setup, while also generating interference signals to simulate challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna array, adapted to receive first measuring signals from the device under test
Implementation Method 2
The quiet zone generator is adapted to perform a beamforming of the first measuring signals after reception by the antenna array
Implementation Method 3
The baseband units are then adapted to generate the first I/Q signals, based upon the first baseband signals
Implementation Method 4
The radio frequency units are adapted to receive the first measuring signals from the antennas of the antenna array and to generate first baseband signals therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring system for measuring properties of a device under test over the air comprises an antenna array, adapted to receive first measuring signals from the device under test, a measuring device adapted to process the first measuring signals received by the antenna array, and to generate second measuring signals and transmit them to the device under test, using the antenna array. The measuring device comprises a quiet zone generator, which is adapted to perform a beamforming of the first measuring signals after reception by the antenna array. It is preferably also adapted to perform a beamforming on the second measuring signals before transmission by the antenna array. The quiet zone generator is adapted to apply the beamforming, so that at least one adjustable quiet zone is achieved.