Over-the-air test antenna subset selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current over-the-air testing systems for radio frequency signals in anechoic chambers require a large number of antenna elements to achieve accurate angular power distribution, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for multiple antenna-element-specific channels.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that select a subset of antenna element positions based on simulated radio channel data to connect only the necessary antenna elements with a radio channel emulator, reducing the number of channels required while maintaining accurate angular power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of antenna elements are used to achieve accurate angular power distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna elements into multiple groups, where each group is associated with a separate radio channel emulator. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by dividing the large number of antenna elements into smaller, more manageable groups, each handled by dedicated emulation resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radio channel emulators as intermediary devices between the antenna elements and the device under test. These emulators simulate the radio channel characteristics and angular power distribution, allowing accurate measurement without requiring direct physical connection to all antenna elements, thereby reducing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of antenna elements are used to achieve accurate angular power distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radio channel emulators to create virtual copies of the radio channel environment. Instead of physically implementing and connecting all antenna elements, the emulators replicate the channel characteristics and angular power distribution, providing a cost-effective alternative to building a complete physical antenna array.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio channel emulators serve multiple functions: they simulate radio channel characteristics, generate angular power distribution, and can be reconfigured for different testing scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each antenna element, thereby lowering overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of antenna elements are used, then angular resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments antenna elements into groups, with each group managed by a separate radio channel emulator. This segmentation reduces the number of direct connections required between individual antenna elements and the testing system, as each emulator handles a subset of elements through consolidated connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Radio channel emulators act as intermediaries that consolidate connections to multiple antenna elements. Instead of requiring direct connections from each antenna element to the central system, the emulators provide a simplified interface, reducing the overall connection complexity while maintaining angular resolution capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An emulating system of an over-the-air test comprises a radio channel emulator, a selector, a connector and a plurality of antenna elements placed around a test spot for an electronic device under test. The selector receives data on a simulated radio channel from the radio channel emulator and selects a subset of a plurality of positions of antenna elements on the basis of the data. The connector connects only the antenna elements in the subset and the radio channel emulator for physically realizing the simulated radio channel.