OTA Test System Using Random Antenna Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test systems for wireless devices, particularly those designed for 5th generation mobile standards, face challenges in performing over-the-air (OTA) measurements due to the need for high-frequency testing and diverse antenna array deployments, which existing methods do not adequately address, especially since conducted measurements become impractical with high-gain antennas and complex antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
A test system and method that utilize a measurement antenna and positioner to perform random adjustments of measurement points around a device under test (DUT), allowing for 'black box' testing without prior knowledge of specific device configurations, using a measuring/control device to establish data links and determine transceiver performance metrics on a grid or randomly selected points, enabling flexible and accurate testing across various DUTs with different antenna array implementations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conducted measurements are used for transceiver performance testing, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the method becomes impractical with high-gain antennas and complex antenna arrays in 5th generation devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conducted measurements (mechanical/electrical connection method) with over-the-air measurements using electromagnetic wave propagation. This substitution enables measurement of devices with high-gain antennas and complex antenna arrays that cannot be practically tested using conducted measurement methods, while still achieving accurate transceiver performance evaluation through OTA signal transmission and reception.
2Ease of operation
If fixed measurement points are used for OTA measurements, then measurement process is simplified, but measurement results become dependent on specific point selections and less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable measurement points that can be randomly selected and repositioned based on device characteristics and measurement requirements. The measurement points are not fixed but can be adaptively changed, allowing the system to optimize measurement accuracy for different device configurations while maintaining operational simplicity through automated point selection and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of measurement points by allowing random adjustment of their positions around the device under test. This parameter variation ensures that measurements are not biased by fixed point locations and improves accuracy by capturing signal characteristics from multiple diverse positions, while the automated random selection process maintains operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If measurement points are randomly adjusted, then measurement independence from device configuration is improved, but positioner control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can test various device types with different antenna array configurations using the same random measurement point approach. The positioner control system is designed to work generically with any device under test, adjusting measurement points randomly around different device geometries without requiring device-specific programming, thereby achieving versatility while keeping the control system relatively simple through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-adjustment by automatically selecting and repositioning measurement points based on random algorithms without requiring manual intervention or complex device-specific configuration. The positioner control system autonomously manages the random point selection and coordinate transformation, reducing the burden on operators and simplifying the user interface while maintaining adaptability to different devices.
4Measurement precision
If dense grid measurement points are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time and computational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using random sampling of measurement points rather than exhaustively measuring all possible grid points. Instead of performing measurements at every point in a dense grid, the system selects a sufficient subset of random points that provides accurate statistical representation of the signal characteristics, achieving the necessary measurement accuracy with reduced measurement time and computational effort compared to complete grid coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A test system for over the air (OTA) measurements of transceiver performance metrics of a device under test is provided. The test system comprises a device under test (DUT), at least one positioning device, at least one measurement antenna, and at least one measuring/control processor. The at least one measurement antenna is configured to establish a data link to the DUT and to transmit/receive test data to/from the DUT via the data link. The at least one positioning device is configured to adjust the position of the at least one measurement antenna around the DUT to specific measurement points, wherein the specific measurement points are distributed randomly around the DUT.