Parallel OTA Measurement Using Shaped Reflector Alignment Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current over-the-air (OTA) production testing of multiple devices under test (DUTs) in an open environment is hindered by interference, leading to decreased test accuracy and increased time and cost due to the need for separate anechoic chambers and complex mechanisms for positioning DUTs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for parallel measurement of DUTs using alignment structures with reflectors and antennas, where DUTs are positioned without shielding, utilizing reflectors and antennas oriented to minimize interference, and a positioner synchronizes orientations for simultaneous measurement, allowing for compact and cost-effective testing on a production line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate anechoic chambers are used for each DUT to maintain acceptable interference levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate anechoic chamber environments into a single shared open test environment. Multiple DUTs are tested simultaneously in the same physical space without requiring individual shielded chambers, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through controlled spatial arrangement and interference mitigation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the test space into multiple independent measurement zones within the shared open environment. Each DUT is positioned in a specific spatial region with defined measurement volumes, allowing parallel testing without physical separation into separate chambers. This segmentation enables precise measurement while avoiding the complexity of multiple enclosed structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate anechoic chambers are implemented for each DUT, then interference between devices is reduced, but the testing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential testing operations into simultaneous parallel testing within a single shared environment. Multiple DUTs are measured at the same time in the same physical space, eliminating the need to sequentially move devices between separate chambers, thereby dramatically reducing total testing time while maintaining acceptable interference levels through spatial management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous parallel measurement of multiple DUTs without interruption or sequential transitions. The shared open environment allows all devices to be tested simultaneously in continuous operation, eliminating idle time associated with moving devices between separate shielded chambers and maximizing productivity.
3Measurement precision
If shielded chambers are used for OTA testing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to opening/closing and complex positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of shielding and isolation from the physical chamber structure, implementing interference mitigation through software-based signal processing and spatial arrangement in an open environment. This eliminates the need for physical opening/closing of chambers and complex robotic positioning mechanisms, greatly simplifying operation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems (six-axis robots, chamber opening/closing mechanisms) with simplified positioning methods in an open environment. Devices can be positioned using basic mechanical means or even manual placement, as the open environment eliminates the need for complex sealed chamber mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation.
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate anechoic environments are implemented for parallel testing, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate testing environments into a single shared open space that supports parallel testing of multiple DUTs simultaneously. This consolidation maintains measurement precision through controlled spatial arrangement and signal processing while dramatically improving productivity by enabling concurrent testing without the overhead of managing multiple separate facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking of separate chambers to horizontal spatial arrangement within a shared open environment. Multiple DUTs are positioned in different spatial regions and orientations within the same volume, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently to enable parallel testing while maintaining measurement precision and improving accessibility.
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 and efficient parallel measurement of multiple DUTs in an open environment with minimal interference, reducing the need for separate anechoic chambers and complex mechanisms, thereby lowering costs and increasing testing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector to reflect waves from a source to form a substantially plane wave field in a test zone within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
the chamber is normally lined with foam pyramids that absorb reflected signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (10) for parallel measurement of devices under test (3,4) in an open over the air environment is provided. The system (10) comprises a plurality of alignment structures (1,2), each comprising a shaped reflector (5,6) arranged at a top end of the alignment structure (1,2) and an antenna (7,8) arranged at the focal region of the shaped reflector (5,6). In this context, the devices under test (3,4) are arranged at bottom ends of the plurality of alignment structures (1,2), opposite to a respective shaped reflector (5,6). In addition, the plurality of alignment structures (1,2) are placed parallel to each other without shielded enclosures.