Radio Channel Test Apparatus for 5G Antenna Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of 5G network setups, with a significant increase in the number of antennas, renders traditional testing methods obsolete and inefficient, as they are not cost-effective for testing each antenna and require new emulators to support 5G radio equipment, especially with the shift from analog to digital interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A radio channel test apparatus that processes baseband signals representing I/Q data according to various radio channel models, optimizing fronthaul data transmission by applying functional splits between baseband units and remote radio heads, allowing for efficient testing of radio equipment in digital domains, reducing the need for multiple cables and enabling new RF front-end designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used for each antenna in 5G networks, then testing coverage is comprehensive, but testing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna testing functions into a single test apparatus that can handle multiple antennas simultaneously. The system integrates I/Q data processing, channel modeling, and signal generation capabilities in one unified platform, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment for each antenna while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The test apparatus is designed with multi-functional capabilities to support various testing scenarios across different antenna configurations. It can process I/Q data for multiple radio channels, apply different channel models, and adapt to various 5G network architectures, making it a universal testing solution that replaces multiple specialized testing devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional analog testing methods are used, then existing test equipment can be utilized, but they are incompatible with digital 5G radio interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional analog testing mechanisms with digital signal processing capabilities. The system processes I/Q data in the digital domain, applies channel models through digital computation, and generates test signals digitally, thereby eliminating the need for analog testing equipment while achieving full compatibility with digital 5G radio interfaces.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cables and emulators are used to test each antenna, then testing accuracy is maintained, but fronthaul capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing function into baseband processing and RF testing components. By processing I/Q data digitally at the baseband unit and only transmitting processed test signals to the radio equipment, the system maintains testing accuracy while significantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the fronthaul connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The test apparatus acts as an intermediary between the baseband unit and the radio equipment under test. It processes I/Q data through channel models and generates appropriate test signals, thereby reducing the direct data transmission requirements between the BBU and RRH while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing radio equipment is disclosed herein. The method includes: receiving, by way of a radio channel test apparatus, a baseband signal representing I/Q data of one or more radio channels; processing, by way of the radio channel test apparatus, the baseband signal representing I/Q data according to one or more radio channel models; and transmitting, by way of the radio channel test apparatus, the processed baseband data representing I/Q data to a radio equipment under test.