Optical RF Signal Replicator for Wireless Network Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication network test systems, such as system emulators, require specific design for each new modulation scheme, can introduce errors, and fail to accurately replicate complex communication environments, leading to inaccurate performance testing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional path propagation replicator (PPR) apparatus using RF terminals, optical modulators, demodulators, delay lines, and optical filters to simulate RF signal propagation characteristics, allowing for accurate replication of wireless communication network environments, including multiple transceivers and varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If system emulators are used to test wireless communication systems, then testing can be performed rapidly, but the emulators require specific design for each new modulation scheme and may introduce errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal test system using optical signal processing that can handle multiple modulation schemes without requiring separate emulators for each scheme. The system uses optical modulators and demodulators that can process various RF signals through a common optical channel, eliminating the need for scheme-specific emulator designs while maintaining rapid testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical RF signal processing with optical signal processing. By converting RF signals to optical signals for transmission through optical delay lines and then converting back, the system eliminates the complexity of electrical emulators while achieving faster and more accurate signal processing for testing wireless communication systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If system emulators are used to replicate communication environments, then testing can be performed, but the emulators may not accurately replicate complex environments with multiple transceivers at different distances and power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test system into multiple independent optical paths, each with its own optical modulator, delay line, and demodulator. Each path can independently simulate a different transceiver scenario with specific distance and power level characteristics, allowing accurate replication of complex multi-transceiver environments without cross-interference that plagues traditional emulators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical domain as an intermediary between RF signal sources and the testing process. Optical signals serve as a neutral medium that can carry multiple RF signals simultaneously without the interference and distortion problems of electrical emulators, enabling precise replication of complex communication environments with multiple transceivers at different distances and power levels
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple system emulators are used to test different modulation schemes, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single universal optical test system that can handle multiple modulation schemes through a common infrastructure. The optical modulators and demodulators can process various RF signal types (QPSK, QAM, OFDM, etc.) without requiring separate emulator hardware for each scheme, thereby reducing both the number of devices needed and the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing capability
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
The PPR apparatus provides a compact, cost-effective solution for simulating RF signal propagation in wireless communication networks, enabling accurate testing of transmission systems without the need for multiple emulators, reducing errors, and effectively replicating complex communication environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical modulator in electrical communication with the first RF terminal; an optical delay line in optical communication with the first optical modulator
Implementation Method 2
an optical delay line in optical communication with the first optical modulator; a first optical demodulator in optical communication with the optical delay line
Implementation Method 3
a first optical demodulator in optical communication with the optical delay line and in electrical communication with the first RF terminal; a second optical demodulator in optical communication with the optical delay line and in electrical communication with the second RF terminal
Implementation Method 4
a first optical filter in optical communication with the optical delay line and the a first optical demodulator; and a second optical filter in optical communication with the optical delay line and the second optical demodulator; wherein: the first optical modulator is configured to transmit a first wavelength; the first optical filter is configured to transmit a second wavelength; the second optical filter is configured to transmit the first; and the second optical modulator is configured to transmit the second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for simulating radio frequency (RF) signal propagation characteristics in a wireless communication network is disclosed. The apparatus includes a set of optical modulators in electrical communication with corresponding ones of a set of RF terminals. A set of optical demodulators is in optical communication with corresponding ones of the set of optical modulators and corresponding ones of the set of RF terminals. A set of optical delay lines may be configured to be in optical communication with the corresponding ones of the set of optical modulators and the corresponding ones of the set of optical demodulators.