OTA Reflector Antenna Layout for Low-Scattering Quiet Zone Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current over-the-air test systems for wireless communication devices face challenges in reducing scattering effects between antennas, leading to increased costs and measurement uncertainty, particularly due to the need for large rotational positioners or additional shielding, which complicates setup and reduces space efficiency within the test chamber.
Innovation Solution
An over-the-air test system comprising a reflector with a center antenna and symmetrically arranged antenna elements operating at different frequency ranges, where the center antenna generates a main quiet zone and the antenna elements generate separate quiet zones, allowing for cost-effective and efficient testing by utilizing different operational frequency ranges for in-band and out-of-band measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotational positioner with multiple antennas is used, then scattering effects between antennas can be reduced, but the size of the positioner becomes large and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into a center antenna and multiple antenna elements arranged around it. Each antenna operates independently at different frequency ranges, segmenting the measurement functions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable scattering reduction without requiring a large rotational positioner, as the antennas are fixed in their optimal positions rather than requiring mechanical rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single rotational dimension to a multi-dimensional antenna arrangement. The antenna elements are positioned at different angular positions around the center antenna, creating a two-dimensional spatial configuration. This dimensional change allows simultaneous multi-frequency measurements without mechanical rotation, reducing the complexity of the positioning mechanism.
2Reliability
If additional shielding is placed between adjacent antennas, then scattering effects among antennas are reduced, but additional costs and higher testing efforts are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different operational frequency ranges to different antennas. The center antenna operates at one frequency range while the surrounding antenna elements operate at different frequency ranges. This frequency separation creates natural isolation between antennas, reducing scattering effects without requiring additional physical shielding, thereby lowering costs and simplifying setup.
3Volume of moving object
If a linear positioner is used, then space constraints within the test chamber are addressed, but the positioning capability is limited compared to rotational positioners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning the antenna elements at optimal angular positions around the center antenna. These positions are determined in advance to provide the best measurement geometry for different frequency ranges. This pre-configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time positioning mechanisms while maintaining versatile measurement capabilities across multiple frequencies.
4Volume of stationary object
If techniques providing small quiet zones are used, then the test chamber size is reduced, but measurement uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a multi-functional antenna system where the center antenna and surrounding antenna elements can perform both in-band and out-of-band measurements simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain adequate quiet zones for accurate measurements while operating within a compact test chamber, as each antenna serves multiple measurement purposes across different frequency ranges.
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 provides a cost-efficient and reliable testing setup with reduced scattering effects, enabling accurate and efficient measurement of wireless communication devices by optimizing quiet zones and antenna placement, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reducing setup complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector (24) with a focal point (18), wherein the center antenna (20) is orientated towards the focal point (18) of the reflector (24)
Implementation Method 2
generating a main quiet zone by means of the center antenna (20) using a first operational frequency range
Implementation Method 3
generating at least one quiet zone by means of the antenna elements (22) using a second operational frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
An over-the-air test system for testing a device under test over-the-air is described. The over-the-air test system includes a reflector with a focal point, one center antenna and antenna elements. The center antenna is orientated towards the focal point of the reflector. The antenna elements are symmetrically located around the center antenna. An operational frequency range of the center antenna is different to an operational frequency range of the antenna elements. Further, a method of performing an over-the-air measurement of a device under test by using an over-the-air test system is described.