Over-the-Air Analyzing System Noise Floor Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current over-the-air analyzing methods, such as those using a spectrum analyzer connected to an antenna without a reference load, suffer from noise floors caused by system components, leading to inefficient and inaccurate testing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a load switch with a reference load, where the load switch is integrated into the antenna or connected in a shorter signal path than to the analyzing unit, allowing for noise reduction across the entire system by measuring and subtracting noise from the antenna, cabling, filtering, and amplifying processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a spectrum analyzer is connected to an antenna without a reference load, then the system structure is simpler, but the noise floor increases due to noise from each component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the noise floor in advance using a reference load before actual signal analysis. The system performs a calibration step where it measures the combined noise from the antenna, cabling, filtering, and amplifying components, then subtracts this pre-measured noise from subsequent measurements to achieve accurate results.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference load serves as an intermediary element that enables noise measurement. By connecting the reference load to the antenna through the load switch, the system can isolate and measure the noise contribution of the antenna system components separately from the signal of interest, allowing for noise subtraction and improved measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a reference load is added to the system for noise reduction, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load switch is designed to be a multi-functional component that can connect either the reference load or the antenna to the analyzing unit. This universal switching mechanism allows the same hardware pathway to serve dual purposes: noise calibration mode (with reference load) and signal analysis mode (with antenna), thereby adding measurement precision capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of the load switch (connected or disconnected) to control whether the reference load is active. By switching between different configurations, the system can transition between calibration mode (high precision noise measurement) and operational mode (signal analysis), achieving high measurement precision only when needed while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the load switch is integrated into the antenna or placed in a shorter signal path, then noise floor reduction is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the load switch functionality directly into the antenna structure or places it at the earliest point in the signal path. This integration combines multiple functions (antenna reception and noise measurement switching) into a single compact unit, reducing the number of discrete components and connections. By minimizing the signal path length between the antenna and load switch, the system maximizes noise floor reduction while actually simplifying manufacturing compared to having separate distributed components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for over the air analyzing is provided. The system comprises an analyzing unit, an antenna, and a load switch. The load switch is used for connecting a reference load. In addition to this, the load switch is integrated in the antenna, or a first signal path between the antenna and the load switch is shorter than a second signal path between the load switch and the analyzing unit.