MIMO Antenna Array for 3D Multipath Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the radiated performance of MIMO wireless devices in three dimensions are costly and provide average performance metrics without detailed orientation-specific insights, as they typically use reverberation chambers or uniform azimuthal boundary arrays that are not suitable for simulating real-world multipath environments effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system with a constellation of antennas distributed over a solid angle, closely spaced to simulate a cluster of reflections, using a variable path simulator to rotate the antenna array relative to the device under test, allowing for detailed three-dimensional performance mapping in a near-field multipath environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a uniform azimuthal boundary array is used to simulate multipath environments, then the device can be rotated through simulated environments to determine average performance, but the system becomes cost prohibitive and lacks detailed orientation-specific performance data
Solution Approach 1:
The boundary array is segmented into discrete antenna elements positioned at specific locations around the device under test. Each antenna element can be independently controlled to simulate specific reflection paths, allowing detailed orientation-specific measurements without requiring a complete uniform spherical array, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the phase and amplitude of signals from individual antenna elements to simulate different multipath environments. By rotating the device under test and dynamically controlling the antenna array, the system can provide orientation-specific performance data without requiring a static complex boundary array structure.
2Measurement precision
If a reverberation chamber is used to evaluate radiated performance, then a statistically uniform multipath environment is created, but the system provides only average performance metrics without detailed orientation information
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a uniform multipath environment throughout the chamber, the system creates localized multipath conditions by positioning antenna elements at specific locations around the device. Each antenna element can be independently controlled to simulate reflections from specific directions, providing local orientation-specific performance data while maintaining overall statistical uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements serve as intermediaries between the signal source and the device under test. By controlling the phase and amplitude of signals from these intermediary elements, the system can simulate specific reflection paths and provide detailed orientation-specific performance information without requiring the complex reverberation chamber environment.
3Reliability
If antenna elements are spaced closely to simulate near-field multipath environment, then individual radiation patterns cannot be resolved by the device, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a complete uniform spherical array of antenna elements, the system uses a partial array positioned at specific locations around the device under test. By strategically positioning a smaller number of antenna elements, the system can simulate near-field multipath conditions accurately without the complexity and cost of a complete spherical array.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a system is provided for simulating a cluster of reflections. The system includes an array of antenna elements distributed in space over a solid angle having an angular spread. The solid angle is substantially less than a full sphere and each antenna element has a spatial orientation. The system also includes a variable path simulator connected to the antenna elements and configured to apply one of excitations to the antenna elements and weights to signals from the antenna elements. The variable path simulator enables simulation of a near field arising from a cluster of reflections of a multipath environment.