Near-Field OTA Testing with Attenuated Antenna Holder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic component testing methods, particularly for wireless devices, face challenges in accurately determining radiation performance characteristics in near-field conditions, as they often rely on far-field OTA tests which may not provide sufficient precision or efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic component handling apparatus and socket system equipped with a moving device and a test antenna configuration that includes a holding portion with a second antenna and an attenuation member, allowing for precise radio wave transmission and reception between the DUT and the test antenna in a near-field setup, enabling efficient OTA testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If far-field OTA tests are used to determine radiation performance characteristics, then the testing can be performed with standard procedures, but the precision and efficiency of near-field testing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented into distinct functional components: a DUT holder with first antenna for transmitting radio waves, a separate second antenna for receiving radio waves, and an attenuation member positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling precise near-field measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
An attenuation member is introduced as an intermediary element between the first antenna and the second antenna. This attenuation member controls and attenuates the radio waves in the near-field region, enabling precise measurement of radiation performance characteristics while preventing direct line-of-sight interference and allowing the testing to be conducted in a compact near-field configuration.
2Measurement precision
If a second antenna is added to the holding portion for near-field OTA testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second antenna is merged with the holding portion structure, combining the functions of the DUT holder and the receiving antenna into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the number of separate elements and simplifies the overall apparatus structure while maintaining the capability for precise near-field measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portion is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the holder for the DUT and as the housing for the second antenna. This universal design allows a single structure to perform multiple functions, reducing device complexity while enabling precise measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If attenuation member is interposed between antennas to control radio waves, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuation member serves as an intermediary element positioned between the first and second antennas. It selectively attenuates radio waves in the near-field region, controlling the electromagnetic field distribution to improve measurement accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuation member is strategically positioned only in the specific region where near-field interference occurs, between the two antennas. This localized approach provides the necessary radio wave control and measurement accuracy without requiring complex attenuation structures throughout the entire apparatus, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 configuration enables accurate and efficient near-field OTA testing of wireless devices, improving the precision of radiation and reception characteristic evaluations while reducing the size of the testing apparatus and minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna (12a) and a second antenna (30A) respectively provided in the DUT (10A) and the contact chuck (22A)... the second antenna (30A) receives a radio wave radiated from the first antenna (12a)
Implementation Method 2
the holding portion (22A) includes an attenuation member (40) interposed between the first antenna (12a) and the second antenna (30A) for attenuating radio waves radiated from the first or second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component handling apparatus includes: a moving device that moves a device under test (DUT) including a first antenna and presses the DUT against a socket. The moving device includes a holder that holds the DUT and a second antenna that receives a radio wave radiated from the first antenna or that radiates the radio wave to the first antenna.