RF Test Fixture Positioning Wireless Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

The testing of wireless devices for radio frequency (RF) characteristics is time-consuming and difficult due to varying antenna patterns and positions, requiring repeated testing for multiple devices, which increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A test fixture system that securely positions wireless devices and RF antennas to achieve optimal RF characteristics, allowing for efficient and consistent testing across multiple devices by indicating the precise positioning of components for repeatable measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual positioning and repeated testing are performed for each wireless device, then RF testing accuracy can be achieved, but testing time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF testing accuracyVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test fixture pre-establishes accurate positioning structures (base plate with positioning features, back plate with antenna positioning features) before testing begins. These positioning features are designed in advance to automatically align wireless devices and RF antennas at optimal positions, eliminating the need for manual positioning and repeated testing adjustments during the actual RF testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test fixture acts as an intermediary device between the wireless device and the RF testing equipment. It provides standardized positioning interfaces and alignment features that mediate the interaction, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning without requiring manual intervention for each device tested.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual positioning and repeated testing are performed for each wireless device, then RF testing accuracy can be achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF testing accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test fixture pre-establishes accurate positioning structures (base plate with positioning features, back plate with antenna positioning features) before testing begins. These positioning features are designed in advance to automatically align wireless devices and RF antennas at optimal positions, eliminating the need for manual positioning and repeated testing adjustments during the actual RF testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test fixture acts as an intermediary device between the wireless device and the RF testing equipment. It provides standardized positioning interfaces and alignment features that mediate the interaction, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning without requiring manual intervention for each device tested.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If testing is repeated for multiple wireless devices with different antenna patterns and positions, then comprehensive RF coverage is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF testing comprehensivenessVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The test fixture is designed with universal positioning features that can accommodate multiple wireless devices with different antenna patterns and positions. The base plate and back plate incorporate adjustable and configurable positioning mechanisms that maintain optimal RF characteristics across different device types, allowing a single fixture to perform comprehensive testing on various devices without requiring repeated setup adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The test fixture pre-establishes accurate positioning structures (base plate with positioning features, back plate with antenna positioning features) before testing begins. These positioning features are designed in advance to automatically align wireless devices and RF antennas at optimal positions, eliminating the need for manual positioning and repeated testing adjustments during the actual RF testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10234494B2System and method for RF testing

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 FEDEX SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS & ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A system for testing radio frequency (RF) characteristics of a wireless device includes a test fixture. The test fixture includes a base plate that receives a wireless device, and a back plate that receives an RF antenna and positions the RF antenna relative to the wireless device. Additionally, the system includes test equipment that in operation performs RF testing on the wireless device using the RF antenna to determine RF characteristics of the wireless device.