Wireless Beam Steering Control for Antenna Measurement Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring beam characteristics of a device under test (DUT) face challenges due to cable connections, which influence radiation characteristics, increase measurement errors, and are costly, as they can be damaged or incorrectly installed, affecting the accuracy and efficiency of the test setup.
Innovation Solution
A test system comprising a measurement antenna, a link antenna positioned in the near field of the DUT for reduced transmission power and minimal interference, and a control/analyzing unit that transmits beam steering control data wirelessly or through a test interface, allowing for precise control and analysis of the DUT's beam characteristics without distorting the electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable connections are used to transmit beam steering control data to the DUT, then communication reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to cable influence on radiation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the measurement system by using a separate link antenna dedicated to transmitting control data, while the measurement antenna exclusively receives radiation for measurement. This separation eliminates cable connections from the measurement path, removing their harmful influence on radiation characteristics while maintaining reliable communication through the dedicated link antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The link antenna serves as an intermediary device that transmits beam steering control data wirelessly to the DUT without being part of the measurement path. This intermediary communication channel allows reliable data transmission while isolating the measurement system from cable-related errors and radiation characteristic distortions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cable connections are used for communication, then data transmission is stable, but device complexity increases due to installation and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based communication system using a link antenna. This substitution eliminates the physical cables, connectors, and associated installation/maintenance infrastructure, reducing device complexity while maintaining stable data transmission through the wireless link.
3Measurement precision
If a movable measurement antenna is used to measure radiation patterns, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the link antenna multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a communication antenna for transmitting control data and as a measurement antenna for receiving radiation. This universality allows the system to perform multiple functions with a single antenna configuration, improving productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy through the antenna's optimized positioning in the DUT's near field.
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 reduces measurement errors, decreases setup complexity and costs, and enhances measurement accuracy by minimizing the impact of communication on the DUT's radiation patterns, allowing for more efficient and reproducible testing across different devices.
Implementation Method 1
a link antenna (14) configured to provide a test communication link to the DUT... transmitting test communication data including beam steering control data through the link antenna (14) to the DUT (11)
Implementation Method 2
receiving electro-magnetic radiation (13) emitted by the DUT (11) with the aid of a measurement antenna (12)
Implementation Method 3
measuring beam characteristics of electro-magnetic radiation (13) emitted by a device under test (DUT) (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A test system for measuring beam characteristics of a device under test (DUT) is provided. The system comprises a DUT, a measurement antenna configured to receive electro-magnetic radiation emitted by the DUT, a link antenna configured to provide a test communication link to the DUT, and a control and analyzing unit configured to control a beam steering of the device under test and to analyze signals from the device under test received by the measurement antenna. The test communication data transmitted to the device under test comprises beam steering control data in order to control the beam steering of the DUT.