Phased Array OTA Testing With Fixed Reference Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing millimeter wave phase array antennas require rotating the device under test 180 degrees to measure beam patterns, which is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to the need for precise rotation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with multiple reference antennas arranged around the device under test, allowing the phased array to be tuned and measured as it changes direction without moving the device, by adjusting phase and amplitude settings relative to the array's center point or boresight antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device under test is rotated 180 degrees to measure beam patterns, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement time increases and measurement precision deteriorates due to rotation inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The single reference antenna is segmented into multiple reference antennas arranged in an array. This allows the system to measure different beam directions simultaneously by having multiple antennas positioned at different locations, eliminating the need to rotate the device under test for each measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from a one-dimensional rotation method to a two-dimensional spatial arrangement. Multiple reference antennas are positioned in specific geometric configurations (such as circular or linear arrays) around the device under test, enabling comprehensive beam pattern measurement through spatial diversity rather than temporal rotation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device under test is rotated 180 degrees to measure beam patterns, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to rotation inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The single reference antenna is segmented into multiple reference antennas arranged in an array. This allows the system to measure different beam directions simultaneously by having multiple antennas positioned at different locations, eliminating the need to rotate the device under test for each measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotation system is replaced with a static spatial arrangement. Instead of physically rotating the device under test using mechanical components, the system uses multiple fixed reference antennas positioned in specific geometric configurations to capture beam patterns in different directions, eliminating mechanical errors entirely.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference antennas are used instead of a single antenna, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The array of reference antennas serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the reference for phase comparison and the means for spatial sampling of the beam pattern. The same antenna array structure is used for both calibration and measurement purposes, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex measurement setup that requires rotation, the system creates multiple simplified measurement channels by copying the reference antenna structure into an array. Each antenna in the array provides an independent measurement channel, and the results are processed together to achieve the complete beam pattern with high precision.
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 efficient and accurate testing of beamforming processes without the need for device rotation, reducing measurement time and improving precision by maintaining the device in a fixed position while tuning the phased array to multiple reference antennas.
Implementation Method 1
the use of phase array antennas, also referred to as beamformers, to direct the EM (electromagnetic) energy from the transmitter to a particular point in space
Implementation Method 2
The current process adjusts the phase and amplitude of each of the element antennas of the phased array so that the signals all arrive at the same time
Implementation Method 3
a reference array of antennas connected to the input channels... receive a first signal from a phased array of antennas connected to a device under test
Data Source
AI summary
A test and measurement system includes a test and measurement device having input channels, a reference array of antennas connected to the input channels, one or more processors in the test and measurement device configured to execute code to cause the one or more processors to receive a first signal from a phased array of antennas connected to a device under test directed at a first side of the reference array, receive a second signal from the phased array of antennas connected to the device under test directed at a second side of the reference array, without moving the device under test, the phased array, or the reference array. A method of testing a device under test using a phased array of antennas includes tuning the phased array to a first location at a first side of a reference array of antennas, by adjusting a phase for each antenna in the phased array, receiving a first signal from the device under test at the first location, tuning the phased array to a second location at a second side of the reference array of antennas, and receiving a second signal from the device under test at the second location. A test and measurement device includes at least two input channels, an array of at least two reference antennas, each antenna connected to one of the input channels, one or more processors in the test and measurement device configured to execute code to cause the one or more processors to receive an input signal from one or more of the reference antennas, and measure the input signal from one or more of the reference antennas.