OTA Antenna Measurement Using 3D CORR Reference Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for over-the-air (OTA) measurements of radio performance parameters and antenna performance parameters are inaccurate due to the lack of precise knowledge about the location and orientation of antennas, especially when they are embedded inside devices like smartphones.
Innovation Solution
Defining a Center-of-Radiation Reference (CORR) and determining a 3-dimensional orientation information with respect to the CORR, allowing for precise positioning and alignment of the device under test (DUT) in a 3D space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are embedded inside device housing, then device integration is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unknown antenna locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Center-of-Radiation Reference (CORR) as an intermediary reference point that mediates between the embedded antennas and the measurement system. The CORR serves as a virtual origin point that allows accurate beam pattern measurements without requiring direct knowledge of the physical antenna positions inside the device housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the antenna radiation origin through the CORR. Instead of measuring from the actual physical antenna locations which are hidden inside the device, the measurement system uses the CORR as a representative reference point that replicates the functional origin of the radiated beams for measurement purposes.
2Volume of moving object
If miniaturized antenna sizes are used, then device size is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to higher inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The CORR acts as an intermediary that decouples the measurement accuracy from the physical antenna dimensions. By referencing all measurements to the CORR rather than to the physical antenna elements, the system achieves accurate measurements of miniaturized antennas without being limited by their small physical size.
3Measurement precision
If far-field measurement distances are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual far-field measurement environment through the CORR reference system. By mathematically referencing all measurements to the CORR as the origin, the system achieves far-field measurement accuracy without requiring the physical distance constraints of traditional far-field measurement chambers.
4Volume of stationary object
If near-field measurements are performed, then device size is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates without exact radiation origin knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The CORR serves as a mediator that enables accurate near-field measurements by providing a precise virtual origin point. The measurement system uses the CORR to establish accurate reference coordinates for near-field probe measurements, eliminating the need for exact knowledge of physical antenna positions while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes defining a Center-of-Radiation Reference for a device under test, the CORR indicating a reference origin of an electromagnetic wave pattern formable with the DUT; determining a 3-dimensional orientation information with respect to the CORR, the 3-dimensional orientation information indicating a direction of the electromagnetic wave pattern; and providing the CORR and the 3-dimensional orientation information to a measurement system.