Over-the-Air Demodulation Testing for Multi-Antenna Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing methods for demodulation requirements in radio communications devices are inefficient and complex, especially for base stations with multiple antennas, as they require direct connection to antenna connectors, which becomes cumbersome and costly, and do not support over-the-air (OTA) testing for demodulation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A signal generator and radio communications device system that performs OTA testing by generating test signals according to multipath propagation models, adding noise, and transmitting them to the device under test, allowing for scalable testing of demodulation requirements without the need for multiple antenna connectors, using a signal generator with multiple signal sources and channel models to simulate independent fading channels for each receiver unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conducted testing with antenna connectors is used, then testing accuracy for demodulation requirements is improved, but device complexity and cost increase with multiple receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual antenna connectors through software simulation in the signal generator. Instead of providing physical antenna connectors for each receiver unit, the system uses virtual representations that replicate the electrical characteristics and signal paths, allowing multiple receivers to be tested through a single physical interface while maintaining testing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection system (antenna connectors and cables) with an electromagnetic field-based OTA testing system. The signal generator transmits test signals through the antenna under test using electromagnetic radiation, eliminating the need for physical connector interfaces while maintaining the ability to measure demodulation performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna connectors are provided for multiple receivers, then demodulation testing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal testing interface where a single physical antenna connector and signal generator setup can test multiple receiver units through virtual connector assignments. The signal generator is configured to route test signals to different virtual connectors corresponding to different receivers, allowing one physical interface to serve multiple testing functions without requiring separate hardware for each receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual copies of antenna connectors that exist in software rather than physical hardware. These virtual connectors replicate the signal path characteristics and impedance properties of physical connectors, enabling multiple receiver testing capabilities without the manufacturing cost of additional physical connector assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If OTA testing is implemented, then ease of operation and scalability are improved, but testing complexity for channel simulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual antenna connectors as an intermediary layer between the physical antenna and the multiple receiver units. This virtual interface simplifies OTA testing operations by providing a standardized connection point that the signal generator can easily manage, while the complex channel simulation and signal routing to multiple receivers is handled automatically through the virtual connector architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for over the air testing of a radio communications device. A method is performed by a signal generator. The method comprises generating a respective test signal for each of a plurality of receiver units of the radio communications device, wherein each test signal is independently modulated according to a multipath propagation channel model. The method comprises sequentially, and for the plurality of receiver units of the radio communications device, transmitting the test signals over the air.