Wireless Component Characterization in Non-Anechoic Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating wireless communication components, such as those in cellular radio and wireless local area networks, face challenges in accurately simulating multipath propagation environments, particularly in non-anechoic conditions, which are time-consuming and costly, and often require dedicated facilities like anechoic chambers that are inflexible and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that introduce predetermined distortions to emulate a virtual electromagnetic environment, using filtering and weighting techniques to compensate for multipath propagation effects, allowing for flexible and cost-effective characterization of wireless communication components in arbitrary environments without the need for anechoic chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an anechoic chamber is used for measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual electromagnetic environment that copies the essential characteristics of an anechoic chamber through software simulation and signal processing, eliminating the need for physical anechoic chamber structures while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical anechoic chamber structure with electronic and software-based signal processing systems, substituting physical infrastructure with computational methods to achieve the same measurement objectives
2Measurement precision
If an anechoic chamber is used for measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the measurement environment and pre-calculates compensation filters, allowing measurements to be conducted faster without requiring the time-consuming setup and calibration traditionally associated with anechoic chambers
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a virtual representation of the measurement environment, the system eliminates the need for repeated physical setup and teardown of anechoic chamber configurations, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual electromagnetic environment is emulated, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts parameters such as impulse response characteristics, transfer functions, and environmental profiles to accurately represent different physical environments, allowing the virtual environment to adapt to various measurement scenarios while maintaining precision through controlled parameter modification
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where measurement results are used to refine and update the virtual environment model, continuously improving accuracy and ensuring that the simulated environment closely matches real-world conditions for enhanced measurement precision
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AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus and corresponding method for characterizing a wireless communication component, wherein the apparatus is configured to process a received signal, such that an effect of multipath propagation in a characterization environment is at least partially compensated, such that a predetermined distortion is introduced, to thereby emulate a virtual electromagnetic environment. Furthermore, disclosed is an apparatus and corresponding method for characterizing a wireless communication component, wherein the apparatus comprises at least two measurement probes, wherein the apparatus is configured to process at least two signals received via the at least two measurement probes, such that an effect of multipath propagation in a characterization environment is at least partially compensated and wherein the apparatus is configured to allow for a variable adjustment of a contribution of one or more of the received signals to a provision of an output signal. Finally, disclosed is an apparatus and corresponding method for characterizing a wireless communication component, wherein the apparatus is configured to process a transmit signal, such that an effect of multipath propagation in a characterization environment is at least partially compensated at a position of the wireless communication component, and to transmit the processed transmit signal to the wireless communication component.