Antenna Array Quiet Zone Testing via Electronic Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the quality of a quiet zone in a test chamber are time-consuming, requiring several days or even weeks, especially for sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave tests, leading to increased costs due to the brute force approach of repositioning a reference antenna for multiple measurements.
Innovation Solution
A test system with an antenna array that electronically switches and simultaneously feeds antennas with different frequencies and orthogonal code-modulations, allowing for sequential and simultaneous measurements without repositioning, reducing measurement time by a factor proportional to the number of antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a brute force approach is employed to test the quiet zone quality by repositioning a reference antenna to multiple positions, then measurement accuracy is ensured, but measurement time increases significantly (taking days to weeks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical repositioning of a reference antenna with an electronically controllable antenna array. Instead of physically moving antennas to test different positions, the system uses electronic beamforming and signal processing to simulate measurements from multiple positions, achieving the same measurement objectives without mechanical movement. This substitution dramatically reduces measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple independent signal channels, each corresponding to a different virtual antenna position. By segmenting the measurement into parallel signal processing tasks rather than sequential physical repositioning, the system can evaluate multiple positions simultaneously through electronic means, reducing overall measurement time while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antenna positions are tested sequentially to ensure quiet zone quality, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to the time required
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces sequential mechanical antenna repositioning with parallel electronic signal processing. Multiple antenna positions are evaluated simultaneously through electronic beamforming and signal synthesis, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical movement while maintaining measurement precision. This enables high-productivity testing without compromising accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement by eliminating the idle time associated with mechanical repositioning. The antenna array continuously performs measurements at all virtual positions through electronic signal processing without interruption, maximizing productivity while maintaining the precision required for quiet zone quality evaluation.
3Measurement precision
If a reference antenna is repositioned for each measurement to test different positions, then measurement completeness is achieved, but device complexity increases due to mechanical positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical positioning systems by using an electronically controlled antenna array. The system achieves complete radiation pattern measurements through electronic signal processing and beamforming, replacing mechanical repositioning with software-controlled signal synthesis. This reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement completeness and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it can electronically assume multiple antenna positions, perform measurements at all positions, and synthesize radiation patterns without mechanical movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical positioning systems, reducing overall device complexity while achieving complete measurement coverage.
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
Significantly reduces measurement time by allowing the antenna array to remain stationary, enabling fast evaluation of the quiet zone quality without the need for repositioning, thus decreasing costs and maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna array with a plurality of antennas... Performing at least one measurement over a coordinate surface... the field of each antenna of the antenna array is measured sequentially
Implementation Method 2
a measurement antenna that is adapted to establish a link to each one of the antennas of the antenna array
Implementation Method 3
Feeding the antennas of the antenna array with signals simultaneously, the signals having at least one of different frequencies and different orthogonal code-modulations
Implementation Method 4
different orthogonal code-modulations
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing a test assigned to a quiet zone of a test chamber by using a test system is described. The test system comprises an antenna array with a plurality of antennas. The test system includes a measurement antenna adapted to establish a link to each one of the antennas of the antenna array. At least one measurement is performed over a coordinate surface. The antennas of the antenna array are fed with signals simultaneously, the signals having at least one of different frequencies and different orthogonal code-modulations. Alternatively or additionally, the antennas of the antenna array are switched electronically such that, in one spatial acquisition of the field over the coordinate surface, the field of each antenna of the antenna array is measured sequentially. Moreover, a test system is described.