Rotatable Platform and Planar Array Antenna for Automotive OTA Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cost-efficient Over-The-Air (OTA) testing of wireless communications in automotive applications, particularly in random-Line-of-Sight (RLOS) environments, where existing solutions are inadequate for measuring performance in real-life scenarios involving vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A compact and cost-effective test chamber with a rotatable platform and a two-dimensional array antenna system that provides a plane wave in the near-field, allowing for robust measurement of wireless communication performance in RLOS environments, including total radiated power, total isotropic sensitivity, throughput, and diversity gain, by simulating base stations at far-away distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional anechoic chambers are used for OTA testing, then measurement accuracy in LOS environments is improved, but chamber size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional anechoic chamber measurements to two-dimensional planar array measurements. By using a planar array of antennas in a controlled environment with defined reflection characteristics, the system achieves accurate RLOS measurement without requiring the large volume of conventional anechoic chambers. The planar array configuration allows for efficient electromagnetic field coverage in the horizontal plane where automotive antennas operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the environmental parameters from fully anechoic (absorbing all reflections) to controlled reflective conditions. By defining specific reflection coefficients for chamber walls and using a planar array with known radiation patterns, the system transforms the measurement environment into one that simulates real-world RLOS conditions with predictable multipath components, reducing the required chamber volume while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If fully anechoic chambers are used for OTA testing, then measurement robustness is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the environmental parameters from fully anechoic (absorbing all reflections) to controlled reflective conditions. By defining specific reflection coefficients for chamber walls and using a planar array with known radiation patterns, the system transforms the measurement environment into one that simulates real-world RLOS conditions with predictable multipath components, reducing the required chamber volume while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a planar array antenna system as an intermediary between the test device and the measurement instrument. This planar array acts as a controlled source that creates predictable electromagnetic fields and multipath conditions, replacing the need for complex fully anechoic environments. The known radiation patterns and phase relationships of the planar array elements provide a controlled intermediary that simplifies the overall measurement system while maintaining robustness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional test chambers are designed for automotive applications, then measurement applicability to vehicles is improved, but chamber size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional anechoic chamber measurements to two-dimensional planar array measurements. By using a planar array of antennas in a controlled environment with defined reflection characteristics, the system achieves accurate RLOS measurement without requiring the large volume of conventional anechoic chambers. The planar array configuration allows for efficient electromagnetic field coverage in the horizontal plane where automotive antennas operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a measurement system that is universally applicable to various automotive antenna configurations and vehicle types. The planar array setup with controlled reflective walls can measure different antenna positions (roof, trunk, bumper) and different vehicle orientations without requiring chamber redesign, providing a compact yet versatile solution for automotive OTA testing.
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
The solution provides improved measurement quality and robustness for automotive applications, reducing the size and cost of test chambers while ensuring accurate testing of wireless communication devices in RLOS environments, which is crucial for autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber antenna is an array antenna, comprising a horizontal linear array of antenna elements, the chamber antenna preferably providing a plane wave in near-field where the vehicle is located
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring over-the-air (OTA) wireless communication performance in an automotive application of a device under test (DUT) arranged on or in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a chamber defining an internal volume therein, such as an EMC chamber or a semi-anechoic chamber. Further, a rotatable platform for supporting the vehicle is provided enclose in the internal volume, together with at least one chamber antenna. A communication system test instrument is further provided for measuring the transmission between the device under test and the chamber antenna. The chamber antenna is an array antenna, including a horizontal linear array of antenna elements, the chamber antenna preferably providing a plane wave in near-field where the vehicle is located. The array may further include a plurality of horizontal linear arrays, overlying each other in a vertical direction.