RF Lens Maps Reflector Vertex for Antenna Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement systems for wireless communication devices require complex setups to measure both narrow-band in-band signals and broad-band spurious emissions, necessitating multiple antennas at different spatial locations, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A measurement arrangement using a reflector and a radio-frequency lens that maps the reflector's vertex to a virtual position, allowing antennas to be positioned outside the vertex, enabling flexible measurement of radio-frequency signals with different bandwidths without moving multiple antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to measure both narrow-band in-band signals and broad-band spurious emissions, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A radio-frequency lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the reflector and the antenna. The lens enables a single antenna to perform both narrow-band and broad-band measurements by optically transforming the electromagnetic field distribution, eliminating the need for multiple antennas and complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed with a universal antenna that can measure both narrow-band in-band signals and broad-band spurious emissions. The radio-frequency lens enables this multi-functionality by adapting the electromagnetic field for different measurement types, allowing one antenna to replace multiple specialized antennas.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are positioned at different spatial locations, then measurement accuracy for different signal types is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The radio-frequency lens acts as a mediator that transforms the spatial relationship between the antenna and the reflector vertex. By positioning the antenna at a convenient location away from the vertex and using the lens to optically relay the field distribution, the system maintains measurement accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio-frequency lens introduces an optical dimension to the measurement system, transforming spatial field distributions into equivalent field distributions at the antenna location. This dimensional transformation allows accurate measurements without requiring the antenna to be positioned at the geometric vertex of the reflector.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are positioned close to the reflector vertex, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates due to spatial constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The radio-frequency lens serves as an intermediary that decouples the antenna positioning requirements from the reflector geometry. The lens enables the antenna to be positioned at a convenient distance from the reflector vertex, providing adequate space for manufacturing, installation, and maintenance while maintaining full measurement capability through optical field transformation.
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 configuration simplifies the measurement process by allowing antennas to be fixed or moved easily, enabling efficient measurement of both in-band and spurious emissions with reduced complexity and cost, while maintaining the flexibility to use different antennas for various frequency ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector is adapted to focus radio-frequency signals at a predetermined vertex of the reflector
Implementation Method 2
a radio-frequency lens is arranged between the vertex of the reflector and the first antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a measurement of radio-frequency signals by a measurement arrangement comprising a radio-frequency lens for mapping a vertex of a reflector to a virtual vertex. Accordingly, measurement of radio-frequency signals may be performed either at the vertex of the reflector or the virtual vertex generated by means of the radio-frequency lens.