Antenna Testing Module for Wireless Phase Center Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current over-the-air (OTA) testing of wireless modules, such as mmWave RF modules, in large and expensive anechoic chambers is time-consuming and unsuitable for mass production due to high costs and long testing times.
Innovation Solution
An antenna testing module comprising a box, a platform, and a detection module that can move in a spherical coordinate system to locate the antenna phase center of a device under test (DUT) by adjusting its position to receive electromagnetic radiation with maximum power, reducing the size and cost of the testing setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large anechoic chamber is used for OTA testing, then measurement accuracy is improved, but testing cost and testing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing system into two parts: a compact near-field testing module for initial measurements and a large anechoic chamber for final validation. This segmentation allows most testing to be performed in the compact module, reducing overall testing time and cost while maintaining accuracy through the two-stage approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field transformer as an intermediary device that converts near-field measurements into far-field equivalent data. This transformer enables accurate antenna characterization in a compact space by mathematically transforming the measured near-field data to represent far-field radiation patterns.
2Measurement precision
If a large anechoic chamber is used for OTA testing, then measurement accuracy is improved, but building cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing function from the large anechoic chamber environment by developing a compact near-field testing module. This module can perform most antenna measurements without requiring the expensive anechoic chamber infrastructure, reserving chamber usage only for final validation when absolutely necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs absorptive materials and electromagnetic field transformation techniques that enable accurate measurements in compact, temporary testing environments. These solutions replace the need for permanent, expensive anechoic chamber installations with cheaper, modular testing setups that can be deployed as needed.
3Measurement precision
If traditional OTA testing methods are used, then comprehensive antenna characterization is achieved, but testing time becomes too long for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary antenna measurements in the compact near-field testing module before final validation in the anechoic chamber. This preliminary characterization captures most essential antenna parameters, allowing the majority of testing to be completed quickly in the compact module and reducing the need for time-consuming anechoic chamber measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical far-field measurement system with an electromagnetic field transformation approach. Instead of physically moving the antenna through large distances in the anechoic chamber, the system uses near-field measurements combined with mathematical transformation to achieve equivalent far-field characterization, dramatically reducing measurement time.
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 testing of wireless modules by determining the antenna phase center, reducing the size and expense of the testing environment while maintaining accuracy, making it suitable for mass production.
Implementation Method 1
The detection module is configured to receive an electromagnetic radiation emitted from the DUT and to locate an antenna phase center of the DUT
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna testing module includes a box, a platform within the box, and a detection module at least partially within the box. The box is configured to accommodate a device under test (DUT). The platform is configured to hold the DUT. The detection module is configured to receive an electromagnetic radiation emitted from the DUT and to locate an antenna phase center of the DUT.