Integrated Feedthrough Antenna Assembly for Small Test Chambers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test systems are not suitable for small test chambers, particularly due to the size constraints of the quiet zone, and require separate cables for connecting the multiplexing part with the feedthrough, which occupies valuable space.

Innovation Solution

An antenna assembly with a multiplexing part integrated within the feedthrough part, minimizing space requirements by eliminating the need for separate cables and providing bidirectional waveguide inputs and outputs for signal processing and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If separate cables are used to connect the multiplexing part with the feedthrough, then signal transmission is achieved, but the space required increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest chamber sizeVSAvoidcable connection arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the multiplexing part directly into the feedthrough structure, merging two previously separate components (multiplexing part and feedthrough) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate cable connections between these components, thereby reducing the space required in the test chamber and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining signal transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the multiplexing part is integrated within the feedthrough part, then space is minimized and device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requiredVSAvoidintegration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The multiplexing part is integrated within the feedthrough part as a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate cable connections and reducing the space required in the test chamber. This integration approach minimizes the overall device volume while the design accommodates standard manufacturing tolerances through appropriate structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If cables are located within the test chamber, then signal transmission to the antenna is achieved, but the quiet zone size is reduced and test system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequiet zone areaVSAvoidcable arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the multiplexing part into the feedthrough structure, the patent eliminates the need for cables to traverse through the test chamber interior. This frees up space within the quiet zone, increasing its effective area for device under test placement, while also simplifying the cable arrangement by reducing the number of cables required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 testing in smaller test chambers with reduced path loss and complexity, facilitating easy feed switching and integration of functions, while ensuring efficient signal processing and analysis.

Implementation Method 1

two waveguide inputs, a single waveguide output as well as a multiplexing part that is interconnected between the two waveguide inputs and the single waveguide output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentUS11789068B2Antenna assembly, test system and method of establishing a test system
Publication Date: 2023.10.17 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • US11789068B2 patent drawing
  • US11789068B2 patent drawing
  • US11789068B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna assembly for a test system. The antenna assembly includes a feedthrough part, two waveguide inputs, a single waveguide output as well as a multiplexing part that is interconnected between the two waveguide inputs and the single waveguide output. The multiplexing part is integrated within the feedthrough part at least partially. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a test system and a method of establishing a test system for testing a device under test.