Electromagnetic Field Measurement Using Movable Probe Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement technologies for electromagnetic fields in test environments are inefficient and costly, requiring multiple probes and complex setups to characterize electromagnetic properties, which hinders fast and cost-effective compliance with communication standards and legal regulations.
Innovation Solution
A measurement arrangement using a small number of movable probe antennas that can measure electromagnetic signals at multiple spatial positions, with a mechanical positioning structure that minimizes interference, allowing for efficient characterization of electromagnetic fields by associating signals with spatial positions, and optionally converting signals to optical for reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple probe antennas are used to measure electromagnetic fields at multiple spatial positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single probe antenna by implementing electronic beamforming and signal processing capabilities. The single probe can electronically steer measurement beams in different directions and synthesize spatial information that would traditionally require multiple physical probes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable probe positioning structure that dynamically relocates the single probe antenna to multiple spatial positions during measurement. This dynamic repositioning allows one probe to collect data from multiple locations, replacing the need for multiple stationary probes and simplifying the overall measurement system while preserving comprehensive electromagnetic field characterization.
2Productivity
If multiple probes are deployed to reduce measurement time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous measurement through rapid probe repositioning and electronic beamforming. The movable positioning structure enables the single probe to continuously sweep through multiple spatial positions without interruption, while electronic beamforming allows overlapping measurements to be performed in sequence, maintaining continuous data acquisition and achieving fast measurement results without requiring multiple parallel probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the probe to optimal measurement locations before actual electromagnetic field measurement begins. The movable positioning structure pre-establishes the measurement trajectory and spatial sampling points, allowing the single probe to efficiently collect data from all required positions in a predetermined sequence, thereby achieving fast comprehensive measurement without the complexity of multiple simultaneously operating probes.
3Measurement precision
If measurement probes are placed close to the measurement area, then measurement precision is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a complex multi-probe array and concentrates it in a single probe antenna. This extraction allows the probe to be positioned optimally close to the measurement area for high signal strength while minimizing the total electromagnetic footprint and interference sources compared to multiple probes. The single probe design reduces mutual coupling and interference between adjacent probes that would otherwise be present in multi-probe configurations.
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
This approach simplifies and reduces the cost of measuring electromagnetic fields by using fewer probes, providing accurate characterization with reduced electromagnetic interference and faster measurement times, while maintaining precision in determining electromagnetic properties.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement probe (1) adapted to receive electromagnetic signals and to provide a measurement signal corresponding to the received electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 2
optionally converting signals to optical for reduced interference
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Measurement arrangement and method for measuring an electromagnetic field. It is for this purpose that a measurement probe is arranged on a mechanical probe positioning structure and moved along a number of one or more circular tracks. In this way, the measurement probe can be subsequently located at multiple different spatial positions and the corresponding electromagnetic signal can be measured. Accordingly, properties of an electromagnetic field can be determined by taking into account the measured electromagnetic signal with respect to the related spatial position.