LiFi Communication in EMC Test Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing EMC test systems face interference and high maintenance costs due to the use of expensive and fragile RF cables and fiber optic cables, which require frequent calibration and can generate electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Innovation Solution

The implementation of LiFi communication technology within the EMC test system to transmit and receive measurement and control data, eliminating the need for RF cables and fiber optic cables by using light-based communication, which does not generate EMI and reduces the necessity for cable calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RF cables or fiber optic cables are used to connect measurement equipment in the EMC test chamber, then data transmission and control functions are achieved, but cable interferences, EMI generation, and frequent calibration requirements occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcable interference and EMI

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes cables entirely from the EMC test chamber environment by implementing wireless communication between measurement equipment and the external control system. This extraction eliminates the source of cable-related EMI and interference while maintaining all necessary data transmission and control functions through wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Instead of using physical RF or fiber optic cables that require calibration and can generate EMI, the system uses wireless signals to transmit measurement data and control commands, eliminating the mechanical connection infrastructure entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If RF cables are used for communication in the EMC test chamber, then data transmission is enabled, but cable calibration must be performed periodically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the calibration requirement from the system by eliminating cables entirely. Since wireless communication components do not require periodic calibration like RF cables do, the system achieves continuous operation without the time loss associated with calibration maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs wireless communication components that have no calibration lifecycle. Unlike RF cables that degrade and require periodic recalibration, the wireless system uses stable transceivers and antennas that maintain their performance characteristics without requiring maintenance or recalibration over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fiber optic cables are used in the EMC test chamber, then EMI-free communication is achieved, but the cables are fragile and require careful handling

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI resistanceVSAvoidcable durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes fiber optic cables from the test chamber environment entirely, replacing them with wireless communication. This eliminates the fragility and handling issues associated with fiber optic cables while maintaining EMI-free communication through wireless protocols that are inherently immune to electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the fragile mechanical fiber optic cable system with a robust wireless communication system. The wireless implementation eliminates physical connectors, cables, and routing infrastructure that are susceptible to damage, while achieving the same EMI-free communication goal through radio frequency or optical wireless transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces testing effort and costs by eliminating cable-related interferences and calibration needs, while ensuring reliable data transmission without disturbing the electromagnetic environment.

Implementation Method 1

communication means using light fidelity (LiFi) for transmitting and receiving measurement data and/or control data by the measurement equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight fidelity (LiFi) communication: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11506699B2EMC test system and EMC test method using LiFi

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

An EMC test system (1) and an EMC test method performed in the EMC test system (1) for testing a DUT (6), wherein the EMC test system (1) comprises an EMC test chamber (2), wherein the DUT (6) is positioned in the EMC test chamber (2), at least one measurement equipment (4) positioned in the EMC test chamber (2) and communication means (3) using LiFi for transmitting and receiving measurement data and/or control data by the measurement equipment (4).