Probe Array Calibration for Beam Steering Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring beam steering characteristics of devices under test are prone to errors due to variations in angularity and measurement setup, which impairs the accuracy of antenna characteristics determination.
Innovation Solution
A method using a probe array with field probes arranged at different angles, calibrated with a reference unit, allowing for precise measurement of beam steering characteristics by maintaining consistent relative positions and using calibration datasets to characterize the device under test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference device and measurement antenna are used with varied angularity, then beam steering characteristics can be measured, but measurement errors occur due to variations in angularity and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements with a reference antenna before measuring the device under test. The probe array is calibrated by measuring the reference antenna at multiple angular positions, and the measured values are stored for later comparison. This preliminary calibration eliminates the need to repeat measurements and ensures consistent reference data for accurate beam steering characteristic determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reference antenna as a copy or surrogate for the device under test during calibration. The reference antenna has known characteristics that serve as a benchmark. By measuring the reference antenna with the same probe array that will measure the actual device, the system creates a reference dataset that can be directly compared against device measurements, eliminating setup variations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are performed with varied angularity, then antenna characteristics can be determined, but the measurement system becomes complex and difficult to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The probe array is pre-calibrated by measuring the reference antenna at multiple angular positions before actual device measurements. The measured values are stored in memory for later comparison. This preliminary action eliminates the need to perform repeated angular variations during actual measurements, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the stored measurement values from the reference antenna to automatically determine beam steering characteristics of the device under test. The comparison between device measurements and stored reference values enables automatic calculation of beam direction and characteristics without requiring complex manual analysis or repeated measurements.
3Ease of operation
If the measurement system is simplified, then ease of setup is improved, but measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a one-time calibration by measuring the reference antenna at multiple angular positions and storing these values. This preliminary action creates a reference dataset that enables accurate device measurements without requiring the same complexity during actual operation. The stored reference data compensates for the simplified measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference antenna serves as a template or copy with known characteristics. By comparing device measurements against this reference copy, the system achieves accurate beam steering characterization using a simplified single-position measurement approach, rather than requiring complex multi-position measurements for each device.
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 approach minimizes measurement errors and ensures accurate determination of beam steering characteristics with a simple and easy-to-set-up measurement system, allowing for precise characterization of the device's main radiation direction.
Implementation Method 1
a probe array with at least two field probes arranged at different angles with respect to the device under test
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring beam steering characteristics of a device under test using a measurement system comprising a probe array with at least two field probes. The field probes can be arranged at different angles with respect to the device under test. A reference unit for calibrating the probe array is provided. At least two calibration measurements with different main radiation directions of the reference unit are performed wherein a predefined number of field probes of the probe array is used for measuring the radiation pattern of the reference unit. A calibration dataset for at least each field probe of the predefined number of field probes and each radiation direction is generated and stored. The reference unit is replaced by a device under test such that the device under test is located at the same measurement position as the reference unit was during the calibration measurements. A measurement of the device under test is performed by using the predefined number of field probes of the probe array.