Over-the-Air Measurement System for Coordinated Multi-Point Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over-the-air measurement systems struggle to perform coordinated multi-point measurements, which are necessary to simulate distributed base stations transmitting the same telecommunication standard, limiting their ability to accurately test device under test characteristics across various radio frequency telecommunication standards.
Innovation Solution
An over-the-air measurement system comprising several antenna units, remote radio units, and a baseband unit with physical and medium access control units, enabling the emulation of multiple base stations and simultaneous testing of different telecommunication standards, including 5G, LTE, and GSM, through synchronized radio frequency signal processing and beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional over-the-air measurement systems are used, then single base station measurements can be performed, but coordinated multi-point measurements simulating distributed base stations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent antenna units, each capable of functioning as a separate base station. Each antenna unit includes its own remote radio unit and connects to the baseband unit, enabling coordinated multi-point measurements by distributing the base station simulation across multiple segmented components rather than requiring a single complex base station emulator
Solution Approach 2:
The baseband unit serves multiple functions by controlling several antenna units simultaneously, adapting its operation based on the measurement scenario. The same baseband unit can configure different antenna units to represent different base stations transmitting the same telecommunication standard, making the system universally applicable for various coordinated multi-point measurement scenarios without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement system is designed for specific telecommunication standards, then measurements for that standard are accurate, but the system lacks flexibility to test multiple standards
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband unit dynamically adapts its configuration and control parameters based on the telecommunication standard being tested. The system can switch between different standards (5G, LTE, GSM) by reconfiguring the antenna units and adjusting the baseband processing parameters, maintaining measurement precision for each specific standard while providing flexibility to test multiple standards through dynamic reconfiguration
3Reliability
If multiple base stations are simulated using conventional systems, then coordinated multi-point measurements become possible, but the system requires excessive complexity and coordination overhead
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple base station simulation capabilities are merged into a single integrated measurement system where the baseband unit centrally controls several antenna units. This consolidation reduces coordination complexity by providing unified control and synchronization from a single baseband unit, while still enabling accurate coordinated multi-point measurements through the combined operation of the integrated antenna units
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
This system allows for accurate and flexible measurement of network radio properties, improving scalability and enabling coordinated multi-point measurements, thereby simulating real-world scenarios for device under test characterization across various telecommunication standards.
Implementation Method 1
several remote radio units (14) that convert radio frequency signals into digital signals or vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
An over-the-air measurement system for testing the over-the-air characteristics of a device under test is described, comprising several antenna units for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals, several remote radio units that convert radio frequency signals into digital signals or vice versa, and a baseband unit for generating and analyzing baseband signals. The baseband unit is connected to the remote radio units, the baseband unit having at least one physical layer control unit that is configured to adapt the over-the-air measurement system with regard to the physical layer. The several antenna units are connected to the remote radio units. Further, a method for testing the over-the-air characteristics of a device under test is described.