Antenna Test Device Phase Reference Unit Near Field Far Field Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods cannot effectively determine the far field characteristics of antenna arrays in wireless communication devices, limiting the assessment of beam steering/forming properties due to the inability to measure beyond the near field.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device with a separately formed phase reference unit operating on different frequency bands and wireless technologies, allowing phase locking between communication link signals and phase reference signals to transform near field measurements into far field characteristics without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional over-the-air measurements are used to test antenna arrays, then the measurement process is simple and does not require additional components, but the far field characteristics and beam steering properties cannot be effectively determined because measurements are limited to the near field
Solution Approach 1:
The test setup is segmented into separate functional units: the antenna array under test, a probe antenna for near field measurement, and a separately formed phase reference unit with phase reference member. This segmentation allows the phase reference function to be independent from the signal transmitting/receiving function, enabling accurate phase relationship measurement while maintaining measurement simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A phase reference unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the antenna array and the measurement system. This phase reference unit receives and transmits phase reference signals that are phase locked to the communication link signals, serving as a mediator that provides the necessary phase information to transform near field measurements into far field characteristics without requiring actual far field measurement distances.
2Measurement precision
If a phase reference unit is added to enable far field characteristic measurement, then beam steering and forming properties can be determined, but the device complexity and testing setup become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The phase reference unit is designed with multi-functionality: it can serve as both a signal receiver and transmitter, works with different frequency bands and wireless technologies, and can be integrated into existing wireless communication devices. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated test equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by operating the phase reference unit and signal transmitting unit on different frequency bands with different wireless technologies. This parameter differentiation allows the two units to coexist without interference while enabling the phase reference function to be achieved through standard wireless communication components rather than specialized test equipment.
3Device complexity
If the phase reference unit and signal transmitting unit operate on the same frequency band, then the setup is simpler, but the signals interfere with each other making accurate phase measurement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The phase reference signal is extracted from the communication link signal by assigning it a different frequency band. This extraction separates the phase reference function from the data transmission function in the frequency domain, allowing both signals to coexist in the same spatial environment without interference while maintaining measurement precision.
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 simplifies and accelerates antenna beam testing by providing phase relationships necessary for determining far field radiation patterns, reducing testing time and costs while minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
the phase reference signal and the communication link signal are phase locked in a test mode
Implementation Method 2
The individual radio waves radiated of each individual antenna element can be combined and superposed for beam steering/forming purposes such that they interfere constructively to enhance the power radiated in a direction intended whereas they interfere destructively to reduce the power radiated in directions not intended
Implementation Method 3
at least one near field measuring antenna for measuring the near field characteristics of a first signal transmitting and/or receiving unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless communication device (12) is described, comprising a first signal transmitting and/or receiving unit (20) with at least one antenna element (24) for transmitting and/or receiving a communication link signal and a phase reference unit (26) with at least one phase reference member (28) for receiving and/or transmitting a phase reference signal. Further, an antenna test device (14), a test system (10) and a method for testing antenna beam characteristics are described.