Integrated Antenna Feedthrough for Compact Test Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test systems for devices under test (DUTs) are not suitable for small test chambers, particularly in terms of the quiet zone size, due to the arrangement of components that require significant space.
Innovation Solution
The multiplexing part, such as an orthomode transducer, is integrated within the feedthrough part of the test system, minimizing the space required between these components and allowing for compact test chambers by eliminating the need for separate cables and providing integrated multiplexing and feedthrough functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the multiplexing part is connected with the feedthrough via separate cables, then the components can be independently manufactured and assembled, but the space required between the multiplexing part and the feedthrough part increases, leading to larger test chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the multiplexing part directly into the feedthrough part, merging two previously separate components into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate cables and the space required between components, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing test chamber size while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integrated design
2Reliability
If separate cables are used to connect the multiplexing part with the feedthrough, then signal transmission can be achieved, but the path loss increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the multiplexing part with the feedthrough part into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates intermediate cable connections. This direct integration reduces the signal path length and eliminates additional connection points, thereby reducing path loss and improving signal transmission reliability
3Volume of stationary object
If the multiplexing part is integrated within the feedthrough part, then the test chamber size is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated feedthrough part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the feedthrough function for signal transmission and incorporates the multiplexing function within its structure. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate components, reducing overall system complexity despite the integrated design
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 integration enables the use of small test chambers with reduced path loss and simplified handling, while ensuring easy feed switching and sealing of the test chamber opening, thus facilitating efficient testing of DUTs in compact antenna test ranges (CATR).
Implementation Method 1
The orthomode transducer is a waveguide component that is also called polarization duplexer since it serves to combine or to separate two orthogonally polarized signals
Implementation Method 2
the feed antenna receives test signals that are converted into radio waves by the antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an antenna assembly (18) for a test system. The antenna assembly (18) comprises a feedthrough part (32), two waveguide inputs (46, 48), a single waveguide output (50) as well as a multiplexing part (38) that is interconnected between the two waveguide inputs (46, 48) and the single waveguide output (50). The multiplexing part (38) is integrated within the feedthrough part (32) at least partly. Moreover, the invention provides a test system and a method of establishing a test system for testing a device under test.