Planar Ring Antenna Array for Compact 5G Base Station Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing 4.5G or 5G base stations require large spaces and mechanical movement of antenna elements, leading to wear and tear, high costs, and complex setups that are not easily implementable on a single circuit board.
Innovation Solution
An antenna arrangement with fixed, electrically controlled antenna elements in a planar or close to planar configuration, using plane wave synthesis and sub-array grouping with amplitude and phase adjustments, allowing for far-field conditions in smaller spaces without mechanical movement, and integrating the arrangement on a single printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If far-field measurements are performed with appropriate receiving antennas, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the required space and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving antenna is divided into multiple antenna elements arranged in a specific geometric configuration. Each element contributes to the overall measurement capability, allowing the system to achieve far-field measurement accuracy in a compact near-field arrangement through coordinated signal processing of all elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of large physical separation distance with an electrical and computational solution. By using multiple antenna elements with specific phase and amplitude relationships, the system achieves far-field measurement conditions through signal processing rather than physical distance
2Area of stationary object
If measurement antenna is placed close to the base station, then space requirements are reduced, but phase and amplitude ripple increases degrading measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving antenna is segmented into multiple elements that are strategically positioned to capture different aspects of the electromagnetic field. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compact size while achieving accurate measurements through coordinated processing of signals from all elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the antenna system by using multiple elements with specific phase and amplitude relationships. By adjusting these parameters through signal processing, the system compensates for the close proximity to the base station and eliminates phase and amplitude ripple effects
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical movement of antenna elements is implemented, then measurement flexibility is improved, but wear and tear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the antenna elements mechanically to achieve different measurement configurations, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the elements fixed and changing the electrical parameters (phase, amplitude) and signal processing methods to provide the same flexibility. This eliminates mechanical wear while maintaining adaptability
4Area of stationary object
If compact range techniques are used for antenna measurements, then space requirements are reduced, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional antenna system where the same array of elements can perform both transmission and reception functions, as well as support multiple measurement configurations through electrical control. This universality reduces the need for specialized expensive equipment while maintaining compact size
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 cost-effective testing of 4.5G or 5G base stations in indoor environments with reduced complexity and maintenance, ensuring wideband performance and optimal results through electrical control of antenna elements.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna elements are electrically controllable in view of amplitude and phase to generate plane wave conditions in the near field
Implementation Method 2
RF absorber material between the antenna elements filling gaps between the antenna elements either fully or partially
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an antenna arrangement (10, 32) for 4.5G or 5G base station testing purposes. The antenna elements (11-15, 20, 33) are placed in concentric rings and in a star-shaped arrangement around a center spot. All antenna elements within the same ring are controlled by the same amplitude and phase control signal. The test system processor (30) also selects dedicated rings into use and switches the rest of the rings off. The ring spacing, i.e. the mutual antenna element distance along the same radial line will be determined based on highest frequency within the desired wide frequency band. A bow tie dipole type of antenna can be used. The antenna elements (11-15, 20, 33) can be fixed on a printed circuit board, and thus, they remain mechanically stationary.