Quiet Zone Characterization via Scattering Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for evaluating the quality of a quiet zone in over-the-air testing spaces face limitations due to electromagnetic field perturbations caused by RF cables and restricted dynamic and frequency ranges when using RF-over-fiber concepts.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a scattering member with predefined properties within the quiet zone to generate scattered electromagnetic signals, allowing for reliable characterization of the quiet zone by analyzing these signals, which are transmitted and received by a single measurement antenna, eliminating the need for RF cables and avoiding limitations in dynamic and frequency ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RF cables are used to connect the measurement antenna to the signal generator, then the antenna can be positioned within the quiet zone, but electromagnetic field perturbations and uncertainties are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna positioning flexibilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic field measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the RF cable from the measurement setup by using a wireless measurement antenna that communicates with the signal generator via wireless signal. This extraction of the cable eliminates the electromagnetic field perturbations and uncertainties it introduced, while still allowing the antenna to be positioned within the quiet zone for measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection (RF cable) with a wireless communication system. The measurement antenna communicates with the signal generator through wireless signals, substituting the physical cable connection with an electromagnetic communication link that does not introduce mechanical perturbations or electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If RF-over-fiber concept is used to transform radio frequency signals into light, then cable perturbations are eliminated, but dynamic range and frequency range are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic field measurement accuracyVSAvoiddynamic range and frequency range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using a measurement antenna that operates directly with radio frequency signals rather than converting them to optical signals. This parameter change allows the system to maintain full dynamic range and frequency range capabilities while eliminating cable perturbations through wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple different measurements are conducted in subsequent manner, then comprehensive quiet zone characterization is achieved, but measurement time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequiet zone quality evaluation accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal measurement approach where the wireless measurement antenna performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The antenna can conduct various quiet zone characterization measurements (S-parameters, radiation patterns, etc.) in an integrated manner rather than requiring separate measurement sequences, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining comprehensive evaluation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reliable and cost-efficient evaluation of quiet zone quality by using a scattering member with well-known properties to generate predictable scattered fields, measuring phase errors, ripple-amplitude deviations, and taper-amplitude deviations, ensuring accurate characterization without the influence of RF cables and within broader frequency and dynamic ranges.

Implementation Method 1

The scattering member is enabled to scatter the electromagnetic signals so as to generate scattered electromagnetic signals that are transmitted in a defined manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3748375B1System and method of characterizing a quiet zone of an over-the-air testing space

Publication Date: 2023.05.24 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

A system (10) for characterizing a quiet zone (12) of an over-the-air testing space (14) comprises at least one measurement antenna (16) and at least one scattering member (22). The measurement antenna (16) is configured to at least transmit electromagnetic signals. The scattering member (22) comprises predefined scattering properties. The scattering member (22) is enabled to scatter the electromagnetic signals so as to generate scattered electromagnetic signals that are transmitted in a defined manner. Further, a method of characterizing a quiet zone (12) of an over-the-air testing space (14) is described.