Beamforming Test Positioning for Full Spherical Antenna Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in efficiently testing the beam forming capabilities of wireless devices due to mechanical interference between antenna positioners, which affects signal measurement accuracy and coverage.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axis rotational positioning system with orthogonal and independent axes is employed to position multiple antennas relative to a wireless device, using motors and mechanical linkages controlled by software to avoid interference and achieve full spherical coverage, allowing precise placement and polarization control of antennas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple antenna positioners are used to achieve full spherical coverage, then measurement coverage is improved, but mechanical interference between positioners increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidmechanical interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar/linear antenna positioning to three-dimensional spherical positioning by introducing multiple rotational axes (azimuth and elevation). This dimensional expansion enables full spherical coverage around the device under test, allowing measurement antennas to access all spatial directions without mechanical interference through proper coordinate system management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is segmented into independent rotational components - specifically separate azimuth and elevation axes with distinct mechanical structures. Each axis handles a specific degree of freedom, allowing them to operate independently without interfering with each other's motion paths, thus resolving the mechanical interference problem while maintaining full spherical coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If antenna positioners are closely positioned to achieve compact system design, then device complexity is reduced, but signal measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidsignal measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where the elevation axis is positioned within the azimuth axis structure, and measurement antennas are nested within the positioning mechanism. This nesting allows compact arrangement of multiple positioners in three-dimensional space, reducing overall system footprint while maintaining sufficient separation between critical components to prevent signal interference and preserve measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4270022B1System for testing beam forming capabilities of wireless devices

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 ETS LINDGREN INC

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AI summary

In some embodiments, a positioning system (100) is configured to position a plurality of antennas about a device under test (DUT) (1). According to one embodiment, a positioning system includes a first positioner configured to hold a DUT (1) and to provide motion of the DUT 81) about a first axis, and a second positioner configured to hold a first antenna and to provide motion of the first antenna about a second axis.