OTA RF Parameter Estimation for Connectorless AAS Transmitters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring RF parameters in radio equipment with active antenna systems (AAS) are inadequate, as they require physical connections to RF connectors that are often absent, making compliance verification difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method and equipment for over-the-air (OTA) estimation of RF parameters, using spatial radiation patterns and power allocation to measure signal power and frequency, enabling total radiated power measurement without physical connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional RF connector-based measurement methods are used, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the method becomes inapplicable to AAS base stations which lack RF connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (RF connectors and cables) with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of physically connecting measurement equipment to the base station via RF connectors, the system uses OTA measurements to capture electromagnetic signals radiated by the base station antennas, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical connections while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement model that relates OTA measurements to actual radiated power through spatial radiation patterns and path loss calculations. This intermediary approach allows indirect measurement of RF parameters by measuring signal strength at multiple locations and using computational methods to derive the desired parameters, bridging the gap between what can be measured OTA and what needs to be known
2Adaptability or versatility
If OTA measurement methods are developed for AAS base stations, then adaptability to connectorless systems is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple measurement points and computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement methodology that can be applied to both traditional base stations with RF connectors and AAS base stations without connectors. The OTA measurement approach serves multiple functions: it measures total radiated power, evaluates spatial radiation patterns, and assesses compliance with regulatory limits, making the system versatile across different base station architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct electrical parameter measurement at RF connectors to electromagnetic field parameter measurement in space. By measuring signal strength, spatial orientation, and distance parameters OTA and then computing derived parameters like radiated power and EIRP, the system adapts to connectorless designs without requiring physical modifications to the base station
3Loss of information
If multiple spatial orientations and distances are measured to capture dynamic AAS behavior, then measurement comprehensiveness is improved, but measurement time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing the spatial radiation patterns of the base station antennas before actual compliance measurements. By establishing the radiation pattern information in advance, the system can then perform faster compliance measurements without repeating full spatial scans, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by measuring signal strength at a selected subset of spatial orientations and distances rather than performing exhaustive measurements at all possible angles and positions. By strategically choosing measurement points that provide sufficient information to characterize the radiated power and spatial pattern, the system achieves acceptable measurement completeness with reduced measurement time and effort
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
Efficiently measures RF parameters like total radiated power and frequency error, detecting malfunctions and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, even in the absence of RF connectors.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a measurement of at least one of signal power and signal frequency of the signal as transmitted from the radio transmitter by measuring on the signal
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for OTA estimation of an RF parameter of a radio transmitter. A method is performed by a measurement equipment. The method comprises obtaining information of spatial radiation pattern used by the radio transmitter and power allocation used by the radio transmitter for transmission of a signal using the spatial radiation pattern. The method comprises obtaining a measurement of at least one of signal power and signal frequency of the signal as transmitted from the radio transmitter by measuring on the signal. The measurement is made with respect to spatial orientations and distance between the radio transmitter and the measurement equipment. The method comprises estimating the RF parameter for the signal transmitted by the radio transmitter from the measurement and using the information of spatial radiation pattern, power allocation, and spatial orientations and distance.