MIMO Antenna Noise Power Measurement Using Network Analyzer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring noise power in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna systems are complex and prone to external noise interference, limiting precision due to the need for additional peripheral circuits and the inability to measure noise power across multiple antennas simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A noise power measuring apparatus comprising a network analyzer (NA) and a shielding box, where each antenna of the MIMO system is connected to a port of the shielding box, and the NA processes signals to calculate actual noise power by eliminating system errors, allowing simultaneous and precise measurement of noise power across multiple antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectrum analyzer is used to measure noise power of MIMO antennas by increasing peripheral circuits such as amplifier and switch, then the noise power can be measured, but the device complexity increases and external noise is introduced which negatively influences the measuring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise power measurement function from the traditional spectrum analyzer configuration and implements it directly within the vector network analyzer's existing S-parameter measurement capabilities. By using the NA's built-in signal generation and reception functions, the need for external peripheral circuits like amplifiers and switches is eliminated, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The vector network analyzer is utilized to perform multiple functions: it generates test signals, measures S-parameters, and calculates noise power simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated noise power measurement equipment and peripheral circuits, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a spectrum analyzer measures noise power of MIMO antennas using peripheral circuits, then noise power can be measured, but external noise is introduced which negatively influences the measuring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach where the vector network analyzer measures S-parameters (reflection and transmission coefficients) as intermediate quantities, from which noise power is calculated. This intermediary approach allows the system to measure noise characteristics without directly exposing the measurement path to external noise, thereby improving measurement precision by eliminating external noise interference.
3Productivity
If a spectrum analyzer measures noise power of single antenna, then noise power can be measured, but it cannot measure noise power of multiple antennas simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MIMO antenna system into multiple independent measurement channels, where each antenna element can be measured separately through the vector network analyzer's multiple ports. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple antennas by parallel processing, thereby improving productivity and measurement efficiency while maintaining precise noise power measurement capability for each antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring noise power of a single antenna to measuring multiple antennas simultaneously by utilizing the multi-dimensional capability of the vector network analyzer with multiple ports. This dimensional expansion allows parallel measurement of multiple antenna elements, significantly improving measurement efficiency without compromising measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus and method for measuring noise power of each antenna in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna system, the apparatus includes a shielding box for the MIMO antenna system, shielding against electromagnetic interference, and a network analyzer (NA). The NA further includes numbers of test module, control module, and display module. The NA obtains each calibration parameter, each port noise power, and each measured S parameter, and obtains actual S parameter of each measured quantity according to a first equation, and thus obtains assessment of the MIMO antenna system. The MIMO antenna system noise power measuring method and apparatus of the disclosure take advantage of multiple ports of the NA, and set reference planes in the shielding box and import measuring method to the NA to obtain precise MIMO antenna system noise power. The apparatus can measure each antenna of MIMO antenna system simultaneously and synchronously.