Phased Antenna Array Near-Field Metrology for Fast RF Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for testing phased antenna arrays are expensive, require large test spaces, and are inadequate for high-volume markets due to their inefficiency and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving positioning a phased antenna array and a probe antenna at relative positions, where either array acts as a transmitting or receiving antenna, and using a processor to determine amplitude and phase parameters of each antenna element by receiving RF signals, allowing for the calculation of performance parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional far-field anechoic chambers or compact range methods are used for antenna testing, then measurement accuracy is improved, but testing cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical far-field testing systems with near-field electromagnetic resonance coupling. Instead of using large physical anechoic chambers and mechanical positioning systems, the invention uses electromagnetic field coupling between the antenna under test and a probe antenna in the near-field region, enabling accurate measurements without requiring large physical spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the testing parameter from far-field distance measurements to near-field electromagnetic coupling parameters. By operating in the near-field region where electromagnetic coupling is strong, the system achieves accurate antenna performance measurements without requiring the large distances and spaces needed for traditional far-field methods.
2Measurement precision
If traditional testing equipment and procedures are used, then comprehensive performance parameters can be measured, but testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement of multiple antenna performance parameters simultaneously through near-field electromagnetic coupling. By establishing a continuous electromagnetic coupling field between the antenna under test and the probe antenna, the system can continuously extract multiple performance parameters (impedance, gain, radiation pattern) without sequential mechanical repositioning or repeated measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a probe antenna as an intermediary element that couples electromagnetically with the antenna under test in the near-field region. This intermediary probe antenna serves as a mediator to transfer information about the antenna's performance parameters to the measurement system, enabling comprehensive measurements without direct physical contact or complex mechanical setups.
3Measurement precision
If conventional testing methods are applied to high-volume markets, then adequate measurement coverage is achieved, but cost efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical far-field testing infrastructure with a compact near-field electromagnetic measurement system. This substitution eliminates the need for costly anechoic chambers and large mechanical positioning systems, making comprehensive antenna testing economically viable for high-volume production environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal near-field measurement system that can measure multiple antenna performance parameters (impedance, gain, radiation pattern, polarization) using a single integrated setup. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized testing systems, significantly improving cost efficiency for high-volume antenna production while maintaining comprehensive performance coverage.
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 method enables accurate and efficient testing of phased antenna arrays, reducing testing time from hours to seconds, and allowing for the testing of multiple arrays with a smaller number of systems, thereby reducing costs and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
causing the transmitting antenna to radiate a plurality of electromagnetic waves sequentially
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Methods and Systems for testing phased antenna arrays include positioning a phased antenna array (106) and a probe antenna (108a - 108c) at relative positions with respect to each other where one of them can operate as the transmitter and the other as the receiver. The transmitter can radiate a plurality of electromagnetic waves sequentially while the phased antenna array is steered or configured differently for each radiated electromagnetic. The receiver can receive, responsive to each radiated electromagnetic wave, a corresponding receive radio frequency (RF) signal. A processor can determine one or more performance parameters of the phased antenna array using the receive RF signals.