Switched Directional Antenna Scanning for Wideband Millimeter-Wave Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile network testing methods for 5G FR2 millimeter waves are costly and inaccurate due to the need for phased arrays with dedicated control units and phase shifters, which are expensive and introduce bandwidth limitations and attenuation.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency scanner system utilizing a switched directional antenna assembly with multiple directional antennas, a radio frequency receiver, and a positioning antenna assembly to process signals in real-time, eliminating the need for phase shifters by selectively activating antennas and combining position, bearing, and switching state information to generate metadata for accurate network characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phased array is used for millimeter wave measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but cost increases and bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is segmented into multiple independent directional antennas instead of using a monolithic phased array. Each antenna element operates independently and can be selectively activated, eliminating the need for complex phase shifters and control units while maintaining measurement capability across wide bandwidths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the expensive and bandwidth-limiting components (phase shifters and dedicated control units) from the measurement system. By taking out these elements, the system achieves millimeter wave measurement capability through simpler, more cost-effective means without the inherent bandwidth limitations of phased arrays.
2Measurement precision
If phased array is used for millimeter wave measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but bandwidth is limited due to phase shifters
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the antenna system into multiple independent directional elements, each antenna can operate across the full bandwidth without the bandwidth-constraining phase shifters. The segmented architecture allows wide bandwidth operation while maintaining measurement precision through selective antenna activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes phase shifters from the system, which are the primary component limiting bandwidth in traditional phased arrays. This extraction enables the system to achieve wide bandwidth operation for millimeter wave measurements without the frequency-dependent performance degradation inherent in phased array architectures.
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
The system achieves cost-effective and accurate wide-bandwidth scanning without phase shifters, reducing measurement time and improving accuracy by correlating antenna data in real-time, while avoiding bandwidth limitations and attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
the radio frequency receiver is configured to receive an analog radio frequency signal from the switched directional antenna assembly, and wherein the radio frequency receiver is configured to process the analog radio frequency signal received, thereby converting the analog radio frequency signal to a baseband signal
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a radio frequency (RF) scanner system (10) for mobile network testing. The scanner system (10) comprises a switched directional antenna assembly (14), a radio frequency receiver (24), and a positioning antenna assembly (18). The switched directional antenna assembly (14) comprises several directional antennas (16) oriented in different directions. The directional antennas (16) of the switched directional antenna assembly (14) are connected to at least one switch (34) that is controlled by the radio frequency receiver (24). The positioning antenna assembly (18) is configured to receive a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal. The radio frequency receiver (24) is configured to receive the GNSS signal from the positioning antenna assembly (18). The radio frequency receiver (24) is configured to receive an analog radio frequency signal from the switched directional antenna assembly (14). The radio frequency receiver (24) is configured to record information of the switching state of the switch (34). The radio frequency receiver (24) is configured to gather information of the position and/or bearing. The radio frequency receiver (24) is configured to combine the information of the switching state, a baseband signal and the information of the position and/or bearing, thereby generating output metadata. Further, a method of mobile network testing is described.