Millimeter-Wave Beam Inspection Using Phase Shifter Delays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Identifying beam characteristics in all possible directions for array antennas in wireless communication devices is challenging due to space and cost constraints when using multiple signal detecting devices, or time constraints when moving a single device.

Innovation Solution

A method using a delay value configured for phase shifters to determine beam direction, allowing efficient identification of beam characteristics with a simple configuration and minimal inspections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple signal detecting devices are disposed in all possible beam directions to identify beam characteristics, then beam characteristics can be identified in all directions, but space requirements and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam characteristics identificationVSAvoidnumber of signal detecting devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beam direction identification process into multiple discrete beam directions, where phase shifters are configured to steer beams in specific predetermined directions. This allows systematic testing of beam characteristics across different directions using a single signal detecting device positioned at each direction sequentially, rather than requiring simultaneous multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic configuration of phase shifters to change beam directions according to a predetermined pattern. By dynamically adjusting phase shifter settings, a single signal detecting device can be sequentially positioned at different beam directions to measure beam characteristics, replacing the static requirement for multiple simultaneous devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single signal detecting device is moved according to each beam direction to identify beam characteristics, then space and cost are reduced, but time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of signal detecting devicesVSAvoidtime for beam characteristics identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a predetermined pattern of beam directions before measurement begins. This preliminary configuration allows the single signal detecting device to efficiently move through pre-planned positions, and enables parallel processing where multiple phase shifters are configured simultaneously according to the predetermined pattern, reducing overall measurement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the single signal detecting device sequentially measures beam characteristics at different predetermined directions in a repeating pattern. This systematic periodic approach optimizes the measurement process by establishing a consistent rhythm of configuration and measurement, reducing idle time and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If beam characteristics are identified with regard to all possible beam directions using conventional methods, then complete beam characterization is achieved, but space, cost, and time requirements become prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of beam characterizationVSAvoidefficiency of beam characteristics identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single signal detecting device universal by using it to measure beam characteristics at multiple different directions through sequential positioning. The same device performs the function of multiple directional measurements that would otherwise require multiple simultaneous devices, achieving complete beam characterization with a single multi-functional instrument.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the measurement system by configuring phase shifters to different phase values corresponding to different beam directions. By systematically varying the phase shifter parameters according to a predetermined pattern, the system achieves comprehensive beam characterization across all necessary directions while using a single signal detecting device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3745613B1Method for checking characteristics of electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3745613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745613B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3745613B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for inspecting whether an electronic device and a communication device included in the electronic device operate normally. A method for checking characteristics of a wireless communication device, according to various embodiments of the present invention, comprises the steps of: providing a wireless communication device at a first location, wherein the wireless communication device includes an antenna array and a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to the antenna array, and the wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit and receive signals having frequencies of 20 Ghz to 100 Ghz and includes a plurality of phase shifters configured to adjust phases of the signals in order to form directional beams together; providing a signal detecting device at a second location separated from the first location so as to detect a wireless signal from the wireless communication device; allowing the wireless communication device to transmit a first signal in a state in which all the phase shifters are configured to have a first delay; detecting a first power of the first signal by using the signal detecting device; allowing the wireless communication device to transmit a second signal in a state in which all the phase shifters are configured to have a second delay; and detecting a second power of the second signal by using the signal detecting device.