Antenna Test System Using GPS RTK Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna performance measurement techniques, such as far-field and near-field testing, face limitations including susceptibility to weather, ground reflections, and high costs, especially for vehicle-mounted antennas, due to the need for large test ranges and precise positioning, which can be inaccurate and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A highly automated portable test system using GPS/RTK for accurate geo-location and inertial navigation for multi-axis orientation, allowing for quick and accurate measurement of far-field patterns in real environments, including on vehicles, with the ability to measure across multiple frequencies, heights, polarizations, and distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If far-field testing is used to measure antenna performance, then amplitude measurements can be obtained, but the system is susceptible to weather effects, ground reflections, and requires large test ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces GPS/RTK positioning and inertial navigation systems as intermediary technologies to accurately track the relative positions and orientations of the probe and antenna under test. This mediator system enables near-field measurements to be transformed into accurate far-field pattern data without requiring actual far-field test ranges, thereby eliminating susceptibility to weather effects and ground reflections while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical far-field test range infrastructure with a portable near-field measurement system equipped with electronic positioning and navigation. Instead of using large physical test ranges turntables and fixed probe positions, the system uses GPS/RTK and inertial sensors to track moving probe and antenna positions, substituting mechanical measurement infrastructure with electronic positioning technology
2Measurement precision
If near-field testing is used to measure antenna performance, then both amplitude and phase measurements can be obtained, but precise positioning components are required which make the system cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning components with electronic GPS/RTK positioning and inertial navigation systems. Instead of using precision mechanical stages, robotic positioners, and rigid fixtures, the system uses portable devices with electronic sensors to track positions and orientations, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to perform accurate near-field measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static, fixed-position near-field measurement systems to dynamic, mobile measurement systems. The probe and/or antenna can move freely while their positions and orientations are continuously tracked by GPS/RTK and inertial sensors, enabling flexible measurements without requiring rigid fixtures or precise mechanical positioning components
3Reliability
If indoor near-field testing facilities are used, then controlled measurement environment is provided, but transportation costs and opportunity costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed indoor test facility infrastructure with a portable measurement system that can be deployed directly at the antenna's location. GPS/RTK positioning and inertial navigation enable accurate measurements in outdoor environments, eliminating the need to transport antennas to indoor facilities and reducing both transportation costs and opportunity costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the measurement system to adapt to the antenna's existing environment rather than requiring the antenna to be moved to a controlled facility. The system can perform measurements in situ, using the antenna's operational environment itself, thereby eliminating transportation and setup time while maintaining measurement reliability through electronic positioning and navigation
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 precise and cost-effective measurement of antenna patterns in real-world conditions, reducing the need for large test ranges and minimizing errors caused by environmental factors and vehicle movement, thereby improving testing efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system are provided for testing of antenna systems, features and equipment using position determination, orientation determination, and test pattern analysis between an RF probe and antenna(s) under test
Implementation Method 2
inertial navigation for multi-axis orientation, allowing for quick and accurate measurement of far-field patterns in real environments
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for testing antenna systems using position determination, orientation determination, test pattern analysis using a variety of factors and equipment including positions and orientation of antenna(s) under test at specific points and signal processing systems.