Automated Antenna Switching in Mobile Terminal Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Testing mobile communication terminals with multiple transmitting antennas requires manual switching and external control devices, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when testing various terminal models.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal testing device that uses radio signals to switch between transmitting antennas via RRC messages and PDCCH control information, allowing for automated testing without an external control device, conforming to LTE-A standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an external control device is connected to the mobile terminal to control antenna switching, then the transmitting antennas can be tested, but the test atmosphere needs to be changed for different terminal models, taking great time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capability for various terminal modelsVSAvoidtime and effort to construct and change test atmosphere

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal itself performs the antenna switching function through its own control unit based on switching control signals received via radio interface, eliminating the need for external control devices. The terminal autonomously switches between its own transmitting antennas using standard radio communication protocols, making the testing process self-service and model-independent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device uses a universal radio interface that communicates with mobile terminals through standard radio protocols, allowing the same testing apparatus to work with different terminal models without requiring model-specific external control devices. The radio interface serves multiple functions including communication and antenna switching control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If manual switching of transmitting antennas is performed for each test, then transmission tests can be conducted for each antenna, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission test accuracy for each antennaVSAvoidtesting efficiency and speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between transmitting antennas during the testing process based on control signals received from the testing device. The mobile terminal's control unit changes the active transmitting antenna according to the received switching control signals, enabling flexible and rapid antenna switching without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device transmits switching control signals to the mobile terminal, which then switches its transmitting antenna accordingly. The system uses feedback through radio communication to confirm antenna switching status and to coordinate the testing process, enabling automated control of antenna switching based on test requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10263714B2Mobile terminal testing device and transmitting antenna testing method

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 ANRITSU CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a mobile terminal testing device which tests a mobile terminal including a plurality of transmitting antennas by transmitting/receiving radio signals between the mobile terminal testing device and the mobile terminal, includes a radio signal processing module configured to transmit and receive radio signals to and from the mobile terminal and a controller configured to cause the mobile terminal to switch one from another among the plurality of transmitting antennas by a predetermined radio signal transmitted to the mobile terminal via the radio signal processing module.