Beamforming Processor Testing via Wired Power Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing beamforming processors in 5G mobile communication systems are inaccurate due to environmental interference and require costly shielding and longer test times when performed wirelessly, especially when combined with antennas.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for testing beamforming processors that electrically connects the processor to a power determination unit, using phase compensation and phase shifters to determine output power within a predetermined error range, allowing for wired testing without antennas, thus improving accuracy and reducing costs and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless testing with antennas is used, then beamforming processor can be tested in actual operating conditions, but environmental interference reduces measurement precision and requires costly shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beamforming processor from its actual operating environment (antenna system) and tests it in isolation using wired connections. The processor is removed from the antenna assembly and connected directly to the test equipment via cables, eliminating the antenna and its susceptibility to environmental interference while still allowing functional testing of the processor itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wired connections (cables) as intermediaries between the beamforming processor and the test equipment. These cables serve as mediators that transmit test signals and measurements without being affected by environmental factors like multipath interference, polarization changes, or external electromagnetic interference that affect wireless antenna testing.
2Reliability
If wireless testing with antennas is used, then complete system performance can be evaluated, but test time increases due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beamforming processor from the complete antenna system, testing only the processor component in isolation. This extraction allows the test to focus specifically on processor functionality without the time-consuming variables introduced by antenna performance and environmental interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the testing process into separate components: the beamforming processor is tested independently from the antenna system. This segmentation allows for faster, more focused processor testing that can be performed without waiting for or coordinating with antenna-related test conditions.
3Measurement precision
If wireless testing with antennas is used, then over-the-air performance can be measured, but device complexity and cost increase due to shielding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the antenna and its associated shielding requirements from the test setup. By extracting the processor from the antenna system and using wired connections, the complex shielding infrastructure needed for accurate wireless testing is eliminated entirely, while processor output power measurement remains accurate through direct electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical antenna system with electrical wired connections for testing purposes. Instead of using radio frequency wireless transmission that requires shielding, the test uses electrical signals transmitted through cables, substituting a simpler electrical measurement system for the complex electromagnetic system.
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 enhances the accuracy of processor testing by directly measuring output power through wires, reducing the impact of environmental interference and test duration, while also simplifying the testing process and reducing costs compared to wireless methods.
Implementation Method 1
a phase compensation unit configured to compensate for a phase difference between a plurality of output ports deployed on the beamforming processor and an antenna connected to correspond to the plurality of output ports
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a communication technique for merging, with IoT technology, a 5G communication system for supporting a data transmission rate higher than that of a 4G system, and a system therefor. In addition, the present invention provides a device for testing a beam forming processor, comprising: at least one power determination unit, which is electrically connected to the beam forming processor for performing beam forming, and determines the output power of the beam forming processor; and a control unit, which is connected to the power determination unit by wire and determines whether the beam forming processor is normal on the basis of the output power received from the power determination unit.