Near-Field Antenna Probe With In-Plane RF Down-Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring near-field antenna radiation are impractical due to the use of bulky connectors and require expensive setups, especially in modern electronic systems moving towards the 5G millimeter-wave spectrum, and existing solutions lack simplicity and scalability for near-field measurement and data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
High-performance, compact probes that mix near-field radio frequency signals with a local oscillator directly at the probe plane, utilizing a self-biased diode quad mixer and a waveguide to down-convert the signal, allowing for simple analysis without a high-frequency spectrum analyzer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase due to requirement of vector network analyzers or spectrum analyzers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mixing mechanism at the probe that converts high-frequency RF signals to lower intermediate frequencies. This mediator (the mixing process) enables accurate measurement without requiring expensive high-frequency spectrum analyzers, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the use of a simpler, lower-frequency analyzer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex electronic measurement systems (vector network analyzers, high-frequency spectrum analyzers) with a simpler system based on frequency conversion. By substituting the direct high-frequency measurement approach with a down-conversion mechanism, the system achieves the same measurement capability with less complex equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bulky connectors are used for measurement, then connection reliability is ensured, but adaptability to modern integrated antennas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mixing functionality directly within the probe structure itself, nesting the LO signal generation and mixing process inside the probe. This eliminates the need for external bulky connectors while maintaining connection reliability, as the signal processing occurs at the probe level without requiring additional external connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (RF signal reception, LO signal generation, frequency mixing) into a single integrated probe structure. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate bulky connectors and external signal generators, improving adaptability to modern integrated antennas while maintaining reliable signal transmission through the unified structure.
3Area of stationary object
If far-field measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is achieved, but measurement space requirements increase for millimeter-wave frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from far-field to near-field measurement. By measuring in the near-field region and using frequency down-conversion, the system enables accurate antenna characterization in a compact space without requiring the large measurement chambers needed for traditional far-field millimeter-wave measurements, thus reducing area requirements while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Productivity
If single probe measurement is used, then setup simplicity is maintained, but measurement speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into multiple identical probe units that can be arranged in arrays. Each probe maintains the simple down-conversion structure, but by segmenting the overall measurement task across multiple probes, the system achieves faster scanning speeds through parallel measurement capability, improving productivity without significantly increasing individual probe 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
Enables efficient and cost-effective near-field antenna measurement with a simple setup, capable of being expanded to an array for faster scanning, and maintains high performance with minimal interference from the antenna under test.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the near-field radio frequency (RF) signal with a local oscillator (LO) right at the probe plane
Implementation Method 2
an antenna for transducing an electric or magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are high-performance, compact probes for use in near-field antenna measurement, such as over-the-air antenna measurements. In particular, the probes herein simplify detection by mixing the near-field radio frequency (RF) signal with a local oscillator (LO) right at the probe plane.