Beam-Based Direction Determination for In-Field OTA RF Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying compliance of base stations and radio equipment with RF EMF exposure regulations are inefficient and impractical for in-the-field testing, particularly due to the need for precise positioning of measurement equipment and reliance on controlled lab environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and processing unit for determining the direction of a second radio transceiver device with respect to a first radio transceiver device using a vector of radio parameter measurements and candidate direction profiles, enabling accurate positioning without requiring physical access or disruption of the live network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple EIRP measurements at multiple directions are performed in an Anechoic Chamber, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (directional characteristics) from the complex measurement process by using a single EIRP measurement combined with beam-specific power measurements, eliminating the need for multiple measurements at multiple directions in an anechoic chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from requiring multiple EIRP measurements at different directions to using beam-specific power measurements (BSRP) combined with a single EIRP measurement, fundamentally altering how directional information is obtained
2Measurement precision
If knowledge of directivity radiation pattern is required for single EIRP measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system self-sufficient by deriving the radiation pattern information directly from the beam-specific power measurements obtained during normal operation, eliminating the need for external knowledge or pre-characterization of the antenna radiation pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adaptation to different antenna configurations and beamforming patterns by calculating directional characteristics in real-time from actual measurements rather than relying on fixed, pre-determined radiation patterns
3Ease of operation
If in-field OTA testing is performed without accessing RF connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses beam-specific power measurements as an intermediary to bridge the gap between easy in-field OTA testing and precise measurements, allowing directional information to be obtained through the air interface without physical connector access while maintaining measurement accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for determining direction of a second radio transceiver device with respect to a first radio transceiver device. The first radio transceiver device is configured to communicate with beams in a beam set. A method is performed by a processing unit. The method comprises obtaining a vector of radio parameter measurements from measurements performed on a radio link between the first radio transceiver device and the second radio transceiver device for one and the same location of the second radio transceiver device. The vector comprises a radio parameter measurement per each beam in the beam set. The method comprises determining the direction of the second radio transceiver device with respect to the first radio transceiver device by comparing the vector of radio parameter measurements to a set of candidate direction profiles.