Single-Antenna Beamforming Test Device Using Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing devices for MIMO systems require multiple antennas and complex setups, leading to high costs and material consumption when evaluating beamforming behavior in devices under test.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with a single antenna and parallel reflectors, along with absorbers, is used to reflect and analyze beams, reducing complexity and material needs, and eliminating the need for expensive waveguides and multiplexers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used to test beamforming behavior, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming measurement process into multiple sequential steps, where a single antenna measures different beams at different time instances. The device under test sequentially transmits multiple beams, and the testing device measures each beam separately, then combines the results to evaluate beamforming behavior. This temporal segmentation replaces the need for multiple simultaneous antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing method employs periodic action by sequentially transmitting different beams from the device under test at different time instances. Each beam is transmitted in a periodic sequence, allowing the single antenna to capture each beam's characteristics at its respective time instance, thereby achieving comprehensive beamforming measurement over time.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are deployed around the device under test, then beamforming behavior can be evaluated, but material consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function across multiple time instances rather than requiring multiple physical antennas. A single antenna performs multiple measurement tasks sequentially, measuring different beams at different times. This temporal segmentation reduces material consumption while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna in the testing device is designed to be universal, capable of measuring multiple different beams from the device under test. By making the antenna multi-functional through sequential measurement of different beams, the system eliminates the need for multiple specialized antennas, thereby reducing material consumption.
3Device complexity
If a single antenna is used with sequential beam measurement, then cost and complexity are reduced, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action where the device under test sequentially transmits multiple beams in a time-efficient manner. Each beam is transmitted in a periodic sequence, allowing the single antenna to capture each beam's characteristics rapidly. This periodic transmission pattern minimizes idle time and optimizes the overall measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing method maintains continuity of useful action by having the device under test continuously transmit different beams without interruption. The single antenna continuously receives and measures each beam as it is transmitted, ensuring that the measurement process proceeds without idle time between measurements, thereby reducing total measurement time.
4Measurement precision
If expensive waveguides are used to connect antenna to analyzing unit, then signal quality is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex waveguide connections with simpler, more cost-effective transmission lines. The system accepts that some signal loss occurs over the longer connection paths but compensates through careful receiver design and signal processing, thereby achieving acceptable signal quality at lower manufacturing cost.
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 significantly reduces costs and complexity while ensuring accurate measurements, allowing for efficient calibration and analysis of beamforming behavior without the need for an anechoic chamber.
Implementation Method 1
each of the number of reflectors is configured to reflect at least one of the number of beams of the device under test to the antenna of the testing device
Implementation Method 2
a number of absorbers which are configured to separate each of the number of beams from one another
Data Source
AI summary
A testing device for testing a device under test emitting a number of beams with respect to its beamforming behavior. Said testing device comprises an antenna, an analyzing unit, and a number of reflectors. Furthermore, each of the number of reflectors is configured to reflect at least one of the number of beams of the device under test to the antenna of the testing device.