Handler Waveguide Interface for Dual-Side Patch Antenna Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) systems are inadequate for testing wireless devices with patch antennae located on both sides, particularly at high frequencies like WiGig, due to signal reception challenges such as distance, directional issues, and interference from handler electronics.
Innovation Solution
The integration of receivers and waveguides within the handler device to capture signals from top patch antennae and channel them to the bottom, where they can be transmitted to the test fixture via microstrip transmission lines and waveguides, enabling effective testing of DUTs with patch antennae on either side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If receivers are located on the test fixture, then bottom patch antennae can be tested, but top patch antennae cannot be received due to distance, direction, and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the receiver and signal path interface directly into the handler device, merging previously separate functions (handling and signal reception) into a single integrated unit. This allows the handler to both position the DUT and simultaneously capture signals from top patch antennae without interference from separate receiver electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces waveguides as intermediary components that channel signals from the top patch antennae through the handler device to the bottom side, where they can be transmitted to the test fixture. The waveguides act as mediators that solve the directional reception problem by providing a physical signal path through the handler structure.
2Device complexity
If conventional ATE systems use external receivers and cables, then system complexity is reduced, but signal reception for top patch antennae fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the receiver and waveguide interface directly into the handler device, combining previously separate components (handler, receiver, and signal path) into a single integrated unit. This increases device complexity locally but eliminates the need for complex external cable arrangements and improves signal capture reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If handler electronics are kept separate from signal reception, then interference is minimized, but top patch antenna signals cannot be received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses waveguides as intermediary components that physically channel signals from the top patch antennae through the handler device to the bottom side. The waveguides provide a dedicated signal path that isolates the RF signals from interfering handler electronics while still enabling reception from top-facing antennae.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of signal reception by routing signals vertically through the handler device via waveguides, rather than attempting to receive them horizontally from the test fixture. This dimensional change allows top patch antennae to be tested without bringing external receivers into close proximity with the DUT.
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
This solution allows for reliable testing of DUTs operating in the microwave bandwidth, including WiGig devices with patch antennae on both sides, by ensuring signal reception and transmission without interference, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional ATE systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide is mounted to the patch antenna using a first waveguide flange, wherein the first waveguide flange is coupled to a first end of the first waveguide
Implementation Method 2
communicating the signals captured by the second plurality of patch antennae using microstrip transmission lines to a patch antenna on the printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing a device under test (DUT) is disclosed. The method comprises communicating signals wirelessly from a first plurality of patch antennae disposed on a top surface of the DUT to a second plurality of patch antennae disposed on a printed circuited within a handler device, wherein the handler device is operable to place the DUT in a socket of a tester system, and wherein the tester system comprises the handler device and a test fixture. The method further comprises communicating the signals captured by the second plurality of patch antennae using microstrip transmission lines to a patch antenna on the printed circuit board, wherein a first waveguide is mounted to the patch antenna using a first waveguide flange, and wherein the first waveguide flange is coupled to a first end of the first waveguide.