Single Antenna Wireless Test Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless device testing requires separate hardware to handle in-band and interference signals, leading to complex and costly test environments due to the need for independent generation and emission of these signals.
Innovation Solution
A test arrangement that combines linear polarized in-band and interference signals into a circular polarized signal using a transducer, allowing both signals to be emitted by a single antenna, thereby simplifying the test equipment and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hardware is used to handle in-band and interference signals independently, then the testing accuracy and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the generation and emission of in-band test signals and interference signals into a single antenna system. A signal generator produces both signals, which are then combined through a circulator and transmitted via one antenna, eliminating the need for separate transmitting antennas for each signal type while maintaining testing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits both in-band test signals and interference signals, and also receives signals from the device under test. This multi-functionality reduces hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to perform comprehensive wireless device testing
2Reliability
If separate transmitting antennas are used for in-band and interference signals, then the signal transmission quality is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission functions of separate antennas into a single antenna. The signal generator produces both in-band and interference signals, which are combined through a circulator and transmitted through one antenna, reducing antenna system complexity while maintaining signal transmission quality
Solution Approach 2:
The circulator acts as an intermediary device that combines multiple signal paths (in-band signal and interference signal) into a single transmission path through the antenna. This mediator enables signal combination without compromising individual signal characteristics
3Device complexity
If a common antenna is used for both in-band and interference signals, then the device complexity is reduced, but signal interference and testing accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The circulator serves as an intermediary that properly directs and combines signals before they reach the common antenna. This ensures that in-band test signals and interference signals are transmitted with appropriate characteristics, maintaining testing accuracy while using simplified hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The signal generator is configured to produce signals with specific parameters (frequency, power level, modulation) that are optimized for their respective purposes. By carefully controlling signal parameters, the system maintains testing accuracy even though a common antenna is used for both signal types
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 approach enables efficient testing of wireless devices under the influence of interference signals with reduced hardware complexity and costs, while maintaining minimal impact on the signal path.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer is configured to receive the linear polarized in-band source signal and the linear polarized interference signal. The transducer is further configured to output a circular polarized test signal.
Data Source
AI summary
Test arrangement and method for wirelessly testing a device under test. An in-band test signal and a further interference signal are emitted to the device under test by a test arrangement comprising a single antenna. For this purpose, a linear polarized in-band test signal and a linear polarized interference signal are generated. The in-band test signal and the interference signal are combined by a transducer to a circular polarized signal and the circular polarized signal comprising the in-band test signal and interference signal is used for testing the device under test.