Antenna Gain Measurement Using Standard Reference Antenna
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna detection methods fail to accurately measure the gain of antennas, leading to compromised communication quality and product yield in wireless communication devices.
Innovation Solution
An antenna detection system comprising a network analyzer and a test device with a standard antenna and an antenna under test, where the standard antenna and the antenna under test are kept at a constant interval, allowing the network analyzer to measure and compare the S21 parameter to determine the actual gain of the antenna under test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods measure only S11 parameter with network analyzer, then the measurement process is simple, but the actual gain of the antenna cannot be reflected accurately
Solution Approach 1:
A standard antenna is introduced as an intermediary element between the network analyzer and the antenna under test. The standard antenna with known characteristics serves as a reference to enable accurate measurement of the S21 parameter, which reflects the actual gain of the antenna under test. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing accurate gain measurement without requiring direct complex measurement setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standard antenna that replicates the ideal radiation characteristics as a reference model. By comparing the S21 parameter measurements against this standardized reference, the system can accurately determine the gain of the antenna under test. This copying approach enables precise measurement while maintaining a relatively simple detection system structure.
2Reliability
If S11 parameter is used for antenna quality determination, then the detection process is quick, but the communication quality and yield are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring only the S11 parameter (reflection coefficient) to measuring the S21 parameter (transmission coefficient) by introducing a standard antenna. This parameter change enables the system to capture the actual gain characteristics of the antenna under test, thereby improving communication quality assessment while maintaining detection efficiency through automated S21 measurements.
3Measurement precision
If manual determination of antenna quality is performed by testing workers, then equipment complexity is low, but measurement accuracy and consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and subjective judgment by testing workers with automated S21 parameter measurements using a network analyzer and standard antenna configuration. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated electromagnetic measurement systems significantly improves measurement accuracy, consistency, and reliability while providing objective quantifiable data for antenna gain assessment.
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 method enables quick and accurate detection of antenna gain, enhancing detection efficiency and communication quality of wireless communication products.
Implementation Method 1
The standard antenna receives a test signal from a first port of the network analyzer, and sends a radiation signal according to the test signal
Implementation Method 2
The antenna under test receives the radiation signal, generates a to-measure signal, and sends the to-measure signal to the second port of the network analyzer
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna detection system for detecting an antenna under test is provided. The antenna detection system includes a network analyzer and a test device. The test device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate parallel to the first substrate and carrying the antenna under test removably; and a standard antenna fixedly disposed on the first substrate to receive a test signal from a first port of the network analyzer and send a radiation signal according to the test signal. The antenna under test receives the radiation signal and sends a to-be-measured signal to a second port of the network analyzer. The network analyzer obtains a parameter according to the test signal and the to-be-measured signal and compares the parameter with a theoretical value calculated according to an operating frequency corresponding to the antenna under test and a constant interval to output a detection result of the antenna under test.