OTA Noise Source for Signal-to-Noise Ratio Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over-the-air (OTA) testing systems in anechoic chambers fail to maintain a desired signal-to-noise ratio, limiting the effectiveness of radio frequency signal testing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that wirelessly transmit noise from multiple antenna elements to a device under test, with the noise power calculated based on the total signal power received by the emulator, antenna-specific channel gains, and a desired signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for a simulated radio channel to be formed for improved testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radio channel emulation testing is performed via conducted connection, then the testing can be carried out with controlled signal power, but the testing cannot properly achieve desired signal-to-noise ratio in OTA chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a noise source as an intermediary component coupled to antenna elements, which generates and transmits noise signals through the simulated radio channel to the device under test. This mediator enables precise control of noise power to achieve desired signal-to-noise ratio in OTA testing environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of noise power parameter based on the simulated radio channel characteristics and desired signal-to-noise ratio. The noise source modifies its output power level to match the signal power and channel conditions, ensuring accurate testing conditions
2Measurement precision
If noise is transmitted from single antenna element, then the system is simpler, but the noise distribution over frequency and spatial distribution is insufficient to simulate real-world conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the noise transmission function across multiple antenna elements, with each element contributing to the overall noise signal. This segmentation allows the noise to be distributed spatially and spectrally according to the simulated radio channel model, accurately representing real-world interference conditions from multiple directions and frequency components
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements serve dual functions: transmitting both signal components from the emulator and noise components from the noise source. This multi-functionality enables the same antenna array to provide both communication signal simulation and interference/noise simulation without requiring separate hardware systems
Data Source
AI summary
A testing system comprises a noise source coupled to at least two antenna elements. The noise source forms a total noise power on the basis of a total signal power received by the emulator, a gain of at least one antenna-specific channel between the emulator and the antenna elements, and a desired signal-to-noise ratio. The noise source transmits noise at the total noise power from the at least two antenna elements to the device under test wirelessly.