Over-the-Air Power Sensor for Wireless Signal Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring high-frequency wireless signals in GHz range poses challenges due to the influence of cabling on the device under test, requiring an over-the-air (OTA) method that can accurately detect power levels without physical contact.
Innovation Solution
An OTA power sensor system with two power sensors, each detecting wireless signals in different polarizations, using single-polarized signal detectors with parallel main radiation vectors and power measurement devices that down-convert high-frequency signals to a lower frequency range for accurate analysis, and incorporating Vivaldi antennas with absorptive surfaces to minimize reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cable is attached to the device under test for signal measurement, then the signal can be transmitted to measurement equipment, but the device under test is influenced by the cabling which alters the radio frequency emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from physical contact with the device under test. Instead of using cables to transmit signals, the system uses wireless signal detection with antennas that receive electromagnetic radiation directly from the device under test, eliminating the cable-induced influence on device behavior while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless measurement system consisting of antennas and signal processing equipment that mediates between the device under test and the measurement process. This intermediary system captures electromagnetic radiation in the air without requiring direct physical connection, thus avoiding the harmful influence of cabling on the device
2Measurement precision
If multiple power sensors are used to detect different polarizations, then measurement accuracy for high frequency signals is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into multiple independent power sensors, each equipped with a signal detector optimized for specific polarization detection. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of different polarization components without requiring a single complex sensor, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where multiple power sensors can detect various polarizations of electromagnetic radiation. Each sensor is designed with specific polarization sensitivity, and the system as a whole provides multi-functional capability to measure different signal components, achieving comprehensive measurement accuracy without requiring separate specialized equipment for each polarization type
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
Enables accurate, non-contact measurement of high-frequency wireless signal power levels with reduced hardware effort, improving measurement accuracy and flexibility by minimizing reflections and allowing analysis of orthogonally polarized signals.
Implementation Method 1
a first power sensor for every polarization, every power sensor comprising a signal detector for detecting the wireless signal
Implementation Method 2
the first power sensors each comprise a power measurement device, which is configured to measure the power of the detected wireless signal and output a respective measurement signal
Implementation Method 3
at least some surfaces, advantageously all surfaces of the power sensors facing in the main radiation direction, i.e. to the device under test, of the signal detectors can be adapted to absorb electromagnetic radiation and do not reflect electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an over the air, OTA, power sensor (1, 20, 50) for measuring power of a wireless signal (2, 21) with at least two different polarizations, the OTA power sensor (1, 20, 50) comprising a first power sensor (3, 4, 22, 23, 51, 52) for every polarization, every power sensor comprising a signal detector (5, 6, 25, 26, 27) for detecting the wireless signal (2, 21), wherein the signal detectors (5, 6, 25, 26, 27) are single polarized and wherein the polarization planes (7, 8, 28 - 30) of the signal detectors (5, 6, 25, 26, 27) are arranged at an angle of more than zero degree to each other and wherein the main radiation vectors (9, 10, 31 - 33) of the signal detectors (5, 6, 25, 26, 27) are parallel to each other, and the first power sensors (3, 4, 22, 23, 51, 52) each comprising a power measurement device (11, 12, 43 - 45), which is configured to measure the power of the detected wireless signal (2, 21) and output a respective measurement signal (13, 14, 46 - 48, 55 - 58). Further, the present patent application provides a respective method.