Real-Time Radiation Pattern Visualization Using Antenna Array and LEDs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement systems for radiation patterns, particularly in radio frequency radiation, require additional processing time due to the use of mechanically moving probes, making real-time measurements impractical.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system comprising an antenna array with radio frequency detectors and amplifiers, coupled with light emitting diodes to visually represent signal strength in real-time, allowing for simplified processing and immediate visualization of radiation patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mechanically moving measuring probes are used to sample radiation strength levels, then measurement precision can be achieved, but processing time increases and real-time measurement becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation strength measurementVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical moving probe system with a phased array antenna system that uses electronic beam forming and signal processing. Multiple fixed antennas capture signals simultaneously, and digital signal processing computes radiation patterns without mechanical movement, achieving both precision and real-time performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary signal capture using multiple antennas simultaneously across the entire measurement space. All raw signal data is collected first, then processed computationally to generate radiation patterns, eliminating the sequential sampling time of mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If mechanically moving probes are used for point-by-point measurement, then detailed radiation pattern data can be obtained, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation pattern detailVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical probe positioning system is replaced with a fixed phased array antenna configuration. The complexity of mechanical movement and positioning is substituted with electronic signal processing and beam forming algorithms, simplifying the physical system while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements that simultaneously capture signals from different spatial positions. This parallel segmentation eliminates the need for a single moving probe and reduces mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If subsequent evaluation logic is applied to sampled data, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but real-time visualization becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation pattern accuracyVSAvoidreal-time measurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes continuous real-time signal capture and processing through the phased array. Evaluation computations are performed continuously on incoming signal data streams, enabling both accurate radiation pattern determination and real-time visualization without interruption or delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 real-time visualization and assessment of radiation patterns with improved reliability and accuracy, eliminating the need for subsequent evaluation logic and reducing processing time.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna array with a plurality of antennas configured to provide a voltage gain corresponding to a received radio signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of radio frequency detectors configured to rectify the voltage gain from each antenna of the plurality of antennas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of amplifiers downstream of the plurality of radio frequency detectors configured to amplify the magnitude of a rectified voltage from each of the radio frequency detectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Implementation Method 4

a plurality of receiving elements, each includes a light emitting diode and configured to receive an amplified voltage corresponding to each amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers. By way of these light emitting diodes, the measurement system is configured to optically visualize the radiation pattern in real-time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3709035B1System and method for real-time visualization of radiation pattern
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3709035B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709035B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3709035B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A measurement system for real-time visualization of radiation pattern is provided. The measurement system comprises an antenna array with a plurality of antennas configured to provide a voltage gain corresponding to a received radio signal. Furthermore, the measurement system comprises a plurality of radio frequency detectors configured to rectify the voltage gain from each antenna of the plurality of antennas. In addition, the measurement system comprises a plurality of amplifiers downstream of the plurality of radio frequency detectors configured to amplify the magnitude of a rectified voltage from each of the radio frequency detectors. The measurement system moreover comprises a plurality of receiving elements, each includes a light emitting diode and configured to receive an amplified voltage corresponding to each amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers.