Compact Range Reflector Antenna Testing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional far-field test ranges for antenna performance evaluation require large spaces, making them inconvenient for testing large antennas or in laboratory environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact testing system utilizing a movable mechanism, signal source, nearfield scanner, and compact range reflector with a parabolic surface to adjust and measure electromagnetic waves, enabling evaluation in a reduced space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional far-field test ranges are used for antenna performance evaluation, then accurate radiation characteristics can be measured, but the required space is large which is not convenient for testing large antennas or in laboratory environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compact range reflector with a parabolic surface as an intermediary element. This reflector receives electromagnetic waves from the antenna under test and redirects them to a measurement location, enabling far-field radiation pattern measurement in a compact space. The parabolic reflector acts as a mediator that transforms the measurement problem from direct far-field observation to a controlled near-field interaction, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the measurement approach from a traditional three-dimensional far-field spherical observation space to a two-dimensional planar measurement setup. By using the parabolic reflector to map the far-field radiation pattern onto a near-field plane, the system reduces the spatial dimensionality required for accurate measurement, allowing far-field characteristics to be captured in a compact laboratory environment.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact testing system is used to reduce space requirements, then testing in laboratory environments becomes feasible, but the complexity of the testing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the compact range reflector to serve multiple functions: it acts as a space-saving structural element, a electromagnetic wave redirecting device, and a key component for measuring radiation patterns. The parabolic reflector integrates these functions into a single element, reducing the need for separate components and thereby managing system complexity while achieving compact testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the geometric parameters of the parabolic reflector (focal length, surface curvature, dimensions) to control and optimize the electromagnetic wave transformation. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves accurate far-field measurement simulation in a compact configuration, balancing space reduction with measurement fidelity without requiring excessive system complexity.
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
Enables accurate evaluation of antenna radiation characteristics in a compact setup, facilitating testing of large antennas in laboratory conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The CR reflector has a parabolic surface used for reflecting the electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
The nearfield scanner is used for measuring the electromagnetic wave
Data Source
AI summary
A testing system and a testing method are provided. The testing system includes a movable mechanism, a testing device, a signal source, a nearfield scanner, a CR reflector, and a processor. The testing device is mounted on the movable mechanism and used for emitting or reflecting an electromagnetic wave. The signal source is configured to emit the electromagnetic wave. The nearfield scanner is used for measuring the incoming electromagnetic wave. The CR reflector has a parabolic surface used for reflecting the electromagnetic wave. The processor is coupled to the movable mechanism, the signal source, and the nearfield scanner. The processor is configured to adjust the orientation of the testing device through the movable mechanism, emit the electromagnetic wave through the signal source, and determine the electromagnetic field information of the electromagnetic wave through the nearfield scanner.