Curved-Reflector Antenna Measurement for Faster EVM and Blocking Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the performance of equipment under test, particularly millimeter wave band antennas, are time-consuming and inefficient, failing to rapidly measure multiple necessary measurement items such as EVM and blocking.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fixing part, positioner, measurement probe, curved reflector, arc structure, and control unit, which allows for high-speed measurement by rotating the equipment under test and using multiple near-field probes to transform spherical waves into plane waves for precise data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single probe is used for measurement, then measurement completeness (ability to measure all items including EVM and blocking) is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple functional probe groups: near-field probes for radiation pattern measurement, far-field probes for EVM and blocking measurement, and reference probes for calibration. Each probe type is optimized for specific measurement tasks, allowing simultaneous execution of multiple measurement items through parallel operation of different probe groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system achieves multi-functionality by deploying a comprehensive probe suite that can perform diverse measurement tasks including radiation pattern, EVM, blocking, and calibration measurements. The system can adaptively select and configure appropriate probes based on the measurement requirements, enabling a single measurement setup to handle multiple verification and post-management test items.
2Productivity
If multiple probes are used simultaneously for measurement, then measurement time is greatly shortened, but the ability to measure EVM and blocking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The probe system is divided into distinct segments with specialized functions: near-field probes positioned close to the antenna for radiation pattern measurement, far-field probes positioned at greater distances for EVM and blocking measurement, and reference probes for calibration. This segmentation allows each probe type to operate in its optimal measurement zone simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from a single-dimension approach (one probe at a time) to a multi-dimensional approach by spatially distributing multiple probes at different positions and orientations around the antenna under test. This three-dimensional probe arrangement enables parallel measurement of multiple parameters from different spatial perspectives.
3Measurement precision
If conventional NFTF method with probe movement is used, then radiation performance measurement is achieved, but measurement of multiple measurement items requires considerable time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration and measurement setup by positioning multiple probes in predetermined locations around the antenna under test before the actual measurement begins. Reference probes are positioned and calibrated in advance to establish baseline measurements, enabling faster subsequent measurements of radiation patterns, EVM, and blocking parameters without requiring repeated probe repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system maintains continuous measurement capability by having multiple probes operating simultaneously throughout the measurement process. While near-field probes continuously scan radiation patterns, far-field probes continuously monitor EVM and blocking parameters, and reference probes continuously provide calibration data, eliminating idle time between measurement items and maintaining productive action throughout the entire measurement sequence.
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 rapid performance measurement of multiple bands and broadband antennas, effectively measuring various measurement items required for verification and post-management tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a curved reflector formed to reflect an electromagnetic wave radiated by the equipment under test in a direction of the measurement probe and to transform a spherical wave of the measurement probe into a plane wave
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and a method for a high-speed performance measurement. The system includes: a fixing part; a positioner for controlling the rotation of the equipment by controlling the fixing part; a measurement probe; a curved reflective plate for reflecting, in the direction of the measurement probe, an electromagnetic wave radiated by the equipment and transforming the spherical wave of the measurement probe into a plane wave at the position where the equipment is provided; an arc structure including an arc arranged to be adjacent to the fixing part; a probe set including near-filed probes arranged to be spaced predetermined intervals apart from each other on the inner side of the arc; and a control unit, which receives, through a signal analyzer, signal data corresponding to an input signal from some of near-filed probes and the measurement probe.