Combined RF Test Arrangement for Beamforming Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Testing beamforming devices requires multiple test arrangements and equipment, making the process time-consuming and costly due to the need for different setups for analyzing modulated signals and power emissions, which often necessitate precise positioning and rearrangement of the device under test.

Innovation Solution

A combined test arrangement that integrates signal analyzing devices for modulated signal analysis and power analyzing devices for power measurement, allowing multiple tests to be performed in a single setup without moving the device, using a single test configuration that can handle modulated signal analyses and power measurements simultaneously, with optional mechanical positioning for adaptive testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple different test arrangements are used for different tests, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to device rearrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal analysis precisionVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple test arrangements (modulated signal test arrangement and power emission test arrangement) into a single integrated test arrangement. The device under test is positioned once and remains in the same location for both modulated signal analysis and power emission measurements, eliminating the need for rearrangement and reducing testing time while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated analysis devices for each test type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test arrangement is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple types of tests (modulated signal analysis and power emission measurements) simultaneously or sequentially on the same device under test. The arrangement includes both signal analyzing devices for modulated signals and power analyzing devices for power emissions, making the system multi-functional without requiring device repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple different test arrangements are used for different tests, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower measurement precisionVSAvoidtest arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining separate test arrangements for modulated signal analysis and power emission measurements, the patent merges both test capabilities into a single integrated arrangement. This reduces the overall complexity of having multiple separate systems while maintaining the measurement precision of both test types through dedicated analysis devices within the unified arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the device is repositioned for different tests, then ease of operation is improved for individual tests, but productivity decreases due to repeated positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest setup easeVSAvoidtesting throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The test arrangement is designed as a universal platform that can perform both modulated signal analysis and power emission measurements without requiring device repositioning. This multi-functionality maintains ease of operation for individual tests while significantly improving productivity by eliminating repeated positioning operations and enabling comprehensive testing in a single setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3447940B1Test arrangement and test method
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3447940B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3447940B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3447940B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides to a test arrangement and a test method for testing a device under test. In particular, a test arrangement is provided comprising a device for vectorial analysis of measurement signals and at least one further device for analysing only the power of radio frequency signals related to the device under test. By simultaneously operating the device for vectorial analysis and the device for analysing the power, an efficient testing can be achieved.