Millimeter Wave Antenna Loopback Testing via RF Up- and Down-Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing solutions for millimeter wave (mmW) antennas are costly, bulky, and inefficient, requiring complex equipment and large spaces due to high propagation loss and parasitic issues at extremely-high frequencies, making high-volume, cost-effective testing challenging.
Innovation Solution
A self-radiated loopback test method and device that sets a device under test (DUT) in a simultaneous transmit and receive mode, using lower frequency RF signals to up-convert, transmit, receive, and down-convert signals without external mmW equipment, allowing for mmW measurements without external mmW test equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional testing equipment and methods are used for mmW antennas, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary frequency conversion mechanism that converts mmW signals to lower intermediate frequencies for measurement. The test device uses frequency down-conversion to transform high-frequency mmW signals into lower frequency signals that can be measured by conventional equipment, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical mmW measurement systems with an electronic frequency conversion system. Instead of using specialized mechanical test equipment designed for mmW frequencies, the invention uses electronic mixers and frequency converters to transform the measurement problem into a domain where conventional equipment operates effectively
2Measurement precision
If conventional testing solutions are used for mmW antennas, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but testing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a frequency domain copy of the mmW signal at a lower intermediate frequency. By converting the mmW signal to an equivalent lower frequency representation, the measurement can be performed using inexpensive conventional equipment rather than expensive specialized mmW test equipment, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly reducing testing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the signal being measured. By transforming the measurement from the mmW domain to a lower intermediate frequency domain through frequency conversion, the invention enables the use of cost-effective conventional measurement equipment while preserving the essential measurement information
3Measurement precision
If conventional testing equipment is used for mmW antennas, then measurement precision is maintained, but the physical size of the test system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses frequency conversion as an intermediary process that eliminates the need for large physical test structures. By converting mmW signals to lower frequencies, the measurement can be performed with compact electronic equipment rather than large physical test chambers or specialized antennas, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing the test system footprint
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 approach reduces testing costs and time, improves the area under the curve for tested modules, and enables robust, reliable calibration and testing of mmW devices, such as those used in 4G and 5G wireless communication systems, without the need for large, expensive test setups.
Implementation Method 1
up-converting the lower frequency RF signal to a higher frequency RF signal
Implementation Method 2
down-converting the received higher frequency RF signal to a received test RF signal
Implementation Method 3
transmitting the higher frequency RF signal using a first antenna of the DUT
Implementation Method 4
receiving the higher frequency RF signal using a second antenna of the DUT
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for automated testing of extremely-high frequency devices are disclosed. A device under test (DUT) is set in a simultaneous transmit and receive mode. The DUT receives a lower frequency radio frequency (RF) signal from a test unit and up-converts the lower frequency RF signal to a higher frequency RF signal. The DUT transmits the higher frequency RF signal using a first antenna, and receives the higher frequency RF signal using a second antenna. The DUT down-converts the received higher frequency RF signal to a received test RF signal and provides the received test RF signal to the test unit for comparing measurements derived from the received test signal to a design specification for the DUT.