Movable Antenna Array for Adaptive Far-Field Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrays require multiple installations and calibrations to test devices of different sizes and frequencies, leading to increased effort and costs due to fixed configurations that cannot adapt to varying device sizes and frequencies without recalibration.
Innovation Solution
An antenna array with movable antennas that can adjust their positions in multiple directions, allowing the same array to generate and receive plane waves at different frequencies and sizes, enabling flexible testing without the need for recalibration by adjusting the plane wave zone distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed antenna array configuration is used, then optimal performance is achieved for a specific frequency and device size, but the system requires multiple antenna arrays and recalibrations to test different frequencies and device sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the antenna array configuration changeable through mechanical movement. The antennas are mounted on movable platforms that can be repositioned along guide rails, allowing the inter-antenna distances to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the same antenna array to adapt to different frequencies and device sizes while maintaining optimal measurement conditions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implementsParameter changes by systematically varying the physical parameters of the antenna array, specifically the distances between antennas and the position of the device under test. By changing these spatial parameters, the system can optimize the plane wave zone distance for different measurement scenarios, allowing a single antenna array to perform multiple measurement tasks with different frequency and device size requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna arrays are installed for different frequencies and device sizes, then comprehensive testing capability is achieved, but the system complexity and calibration effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies theUniversality principle by designing a single antenna array that can perform multiple measurement functions for different frequencies and device sizes. Through the movable platform mechanism, one antenna array configuration can be transformed into another, allowing the same physical hardware to serve multiple purposes that would traditionally require separate dedicated arrays, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfigurability of the antenna array through movable platforms allows the system to adapt its configuration for different measurement scenarios, replacing the need for multiple static antenna arrays with a single versatile, dynamically adjustable system
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna arrays with different configurations are used, then different frequency and device size measurements are enabled, but the calibration time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by establishing reference measurement configurations in advance. Once the antenna array is calibrated for a specific configuration, the calibrated parameters can be reused when returning to the same configuration, reducing redundant calibration work. The movable platform system allows efficient transitions between pre-calibrated configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the antenna positions and device under test positions to maintain optimal measurement conditions. This feedback control ensures that measurements remain accurate across different configurations without requiring full recalibration, as the system can adaptively compensate for configuration changes
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
Enables efficient testing of devices under far field conditions at various frequencies and sizes using a single antenna array, reducing the number of antennas and transceivers needed, improving power handling, and lowering costs by eliminating the need for multiple calibrations.
Implementation Method 1
An antenna array usually comprises a plurality of individual antennas used to emit electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
The phases of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the individual antennas are adjusted for each antenna such that the whole antenna array is deemed to be one single antenna element emitting an electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 3
the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas which are movable with respect to each other
Implementation Method 4
plane waves are generated and/or received in the near field of the antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array for at least one of generating and receiving a plane wave in a certain distance is described, the antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas which are movable with respect to each other. The antenna array is configured such that plane waves are at least one of generated and received in the near field of the antenna array. Further, a test system and a method for testing a device under test are described.