OTA Measurement System Using Multi-Antenna Segmentation for High Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over-the-air (OTA) measurement systems face challenges in achieving high dynamic range, particularly at high frequencies like millimeter-waves, due to limited compactness and dynamic range in indirect far-field (IFF) setups, which are inadequate for 3GPP 5G NF FR2 UE conformance testing.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple measurement antennas positioned at different distances and angles relative to the device under test, allowing for OTA power measurements at various orientations while maintaining the same relative orientation, enabling high dynamic range measurements without the need for repositioning the antennas, thus reducing unwanted reflections and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If indirect far-field (IFF) techniques are used to perform OTA measurements in compact space, then the measurement system size is reduced, but the dynamic range becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple measurement antennas positioned at different distances from the test location. Each antenna operates at a specific distance to capture signals with different path losses, enabling the system to measure both strong and weak signals effectively, thus achieving high dynamic range in compact space
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-distance measurement approach to a multi-distance measurement approach by positioning antennas at different radial distances. This adds the dimension of distance variation, allowing the system to achieve far-field measurement conditions and high dynamic range without requiring a large overall system volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement antennas are positioned at different distances and angles, then measurement versatility and dynamic range are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement antennas serve universal measurement functions by being positioned at different distances and angles. Each antenna can measure signals from the device under test, and collectively they provide comprehensive coverage for various measurement scenarios including different polarizations, angles of arrival, and signal strengths, reducing the need for multiple specialized measurement systems
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 configuration allows for compact, high dynamic range OTA measurements, capable of assessing both uplink and downlink performance without phase measurements, and extrapolates characteristics to intermediate and far-field regions, enhancing measurement precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a signal transmitted by the device under test is received by the respective measurement antenna. The power of the signal received from the device under test is then measured by the OTA measurement system
Implementation Method 2
a signal having a predetermined power is generated by the respective measurement antenna and received by the device under test
Data Source
AI summary
An over-the-air (OTA) measurement system is described. The OTA measurement system includes a plurality of measurement antennas, a DUT positioner, and a controller (e.g., control circuit). The DUT positioner is configured to position a device under test at a test location. At least two measurement antennas of the plurality of measurement antennas are arranged at different distances from the test location. The at least two measurement antennas are arranged at different elevation angles and/or at different azimuth angles with respect to the test location. The controller is configured to control the DUT positioner to rotate the device under test at the test location in azimuth and/or elevation. The controller is configured to control the DUT positioner to rotate the device under test into a first orientation for a first OTA power measurement by a first one of the at least two measurement antennas. The controller is configured to control the DUT positioner to rotate the device under test into a second orientation for a second OTA power measurement by a second one of the at least two measurement antennas. A relative orientation between the device under test in the first orientation and the first one of the at least two measurement antennas is the same as a relative orientation between the device under test in the second orientation and the second one of the at least two measurement antennas. Further, an OTA measurement method for performing OTA measurements on a device under test by an OTA measurement system is described.