Fast Switching Antenna Power Measurement Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test setups are inadequate for measuring power from fast switching active antenna arrays with beam switching times lower than 1 microsecond due to slow rise/fall times and high costs associated with using multiple spectrum analyzers for synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A cost-efficient test setup utilizing two detector modules with rise times less than the beam switching time, positioned in predefined radiation directions, which forward signals to a power sensor module with an analog-to-digital converter for power measurement, eliminating the need for expensive spectrum analyzers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional antenna modules with rise/fall times of about 2 μs are used, then the setup is simple to operate, but they are too slow for fast switching active antenna arrays with beam switching times lower than 1 μs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple detector modules, each responsible for detecting signals in specific main radiation directions. This segmentation allows parallel processing of fast switching signals without requiring a single ultra-fast module, achieving the required response speed while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Detector modules serve as intermediary components between the fast switching active antenna array and the power sensor module. These detector modules with rise times lower than the beam switching time enable accurate detection of fast switching signals while the power sensor module handles the actual power measurement, separating the speed-critical detection function from the measurement function
2Measurement precision
If several spectrum analyzers are used for measuring wideband signals from fast switching active antenna arrays, then measurement capability is sufficient, but the costs are quite high and the system is prone to failure due to complicated synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector modules are merged into a single power sensor module for signal processing. Instead of using separate spectrum analyzers for each detector, all detector outputs are combined and processed by one power sensor module with an analog-to-digital converter, eliminating the need for complex synchronization between multiple analyzers while maintaining the ability to measure power from multiple directions
Solution Approach 2:
The power sensor module serves as a universal processing unit that can handle signals from multiple detector modules simultaneously. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for dedicated spectrum analyzers for each detection point, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision through centralized processing
3Measurement precision
If multiple spectrum analyzers are used for synchronized measurement, then complete signal coverage is achieved, but the costs are quite high
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector modules detecting signals in different main radiation directions are combined with a single power sensor module. This configuration achieves complete signal coverage across all detection directions while using only one power sensor module instead of multiple expensive spectrum analyzers, significantly reducing the quantity of expensive equipment required
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive spectrum analyzers for each detection point, the system uses cheaper detector modules that replicate the detection function across multiple directions. These detector modules are simplified versions that perform only the detection function, with the actual power measurement performed by a single shared power sensor module, reducing overall system cost while maintaining measurement capability
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 efficient and cost-effective power measurement of fast switching active antenna arrays by using detector modules with rise times faster than the beam switching time, allowing for accurate detection and processing of signals, and reducing the complexity and expense of synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
the power sensor module having an analog-to-digital converter circuit for converting an analog signal into a digital signal
Data Source
AI summary
A test setup for power measurement of a fast switching active antenna array with a beam switching time lower than one microsecond is described. The test setup includes at least two detector modules for detecting a signal transmitted by the fast switching active antenna array and a power sensor module for measuring the power of at least one signal received. The power sensor module has an analog-to-digital converter circuit for converting an analog signal into a digital signal. Each of the detector modules includes at least one antenna via which at least one signal transmitted by the fast switching active antenna array is received. The at least two detector modules are positioned in at least two predefined main radiation directions of the fast switching active antenna array. Each of the detector modules has a rise time, the rise time being lower than the beam switching time of the fast switching active antenna array.