Wireless mmWave Antenna Testing via Electromagnetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing high-frequency antennas, such as those used in 5G mobile networks, are not compatible with contact-based testing due to the nature of high-frequency signals, leading to inefficiencies and incompatibilities.

Innovation Solution

A testing device comprising a housing, an antenna module, and a receiving module that allows for wireless signal reception, utilizing a flexible thin film and interposer to reduce signal leakage and facilitate mmwave signal transmission, enabling the testing of antennas without direct contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If contact-based testing methods are used, then testing simplicity is maintained, but compatibility with high-frequency signals is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with high-frequency signals
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-based mechanical testing systems with a wireless testing system that uses electromagnetic field coupling. The receiving module includes coupling radiation elements that wirelessly receive signals from the antenna under test through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining compatibility with high-frequency mmWave signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces coupling radiation elements as intermediary components between the antenna under test and the receiving module. These coupling elements act as mediators that transfer electromagnetic energy wirelessly, enabling signal reception without direct contact while maintaining system compatibility with high-frequency signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless receiving module is used, then compatibility with high-frequency signals is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with high-frequency signalsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving module is designed with multi-functionality to handle both signal reception and coupling operations. The coupling radiation elements serve dual purposes as both receiving antennas and coupling mechanisms, reducing the need for separate components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite adding wireless capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If flexible thin film and interposer are used, then signal leakage is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal leakageVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible thin films as coupling elements between the antenna under test and the receiving module. These thin film structures provide electrical coupling while maintaining flexibility and minimizing signal leakage. The thin film approach allows for precise control of signal transmission paths and reduces parasitic coupling effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The interposer serves as an intermediary component that facilitates coupling between the antenna and receiving module while managing signal integrity. It provides a controlled environment for signal transmission, reducing leakage and interference, and simplifies the overall assembly process despite adding manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables effective testing of high-frequency antennas by receiving and transmitting mmwave signals wirelessly, reducing signal loss and ensuring compatibility with 5G applications, thus ensuring antenna performance meets design requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The receiving module includes a substrate, a coupling radiation element disposed on the substrate, and a support disposed on the substrate. The coupling radiation element includes a coupling portion and a first branch connecting to the coupling portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240377446A1Antenna testing device for high frequency antennas
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US20240377446A1 patent drawing
  • US20240377446A1 patent drawing
  • US20240377446A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A testing device for testing an antenna is provided. The testing device includes a housing, an antenna module for holding the antenna and disposed under the housing, and a receiving module disposed on the housing. The receiving module includes a substrate, a coupling radiation element disposed on the substrate, and a support disposed on the substrate. The coupling radiation element includes a coupling portion and a first branch connecting to the coupling portion.