Wireless Phase-Noise Measurement Using Antenna-Coupled RF Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated phase-noise measurement systems are inadequate for wireless transmitters, as they require manual intervention and cannot accurately measure phase-noise in wireless signals without extensive user involvement, and they often necessitate non-wireless signal paths, which are inconvenient or impossible for certain transmitters like those in cellular telephones.
Innovation Solution
An automated noise test measurement system that includes an antenna, low-noise amplifier, frequency source, coupler, phase-shifter, mixer, and controller, capable of receiving and analyzing transmitted RF signals to measure noise components wirelessly, allowing for the optimization of phase-noise performance in wireless transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated phase-noise measurement systems are used for wireless transmitters, then measurement efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately measure phase-noise in wireless signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by capturing wireless RF signals through an antenna and processing them through a structured signal chain (low-noise amplifier, mixer, phase detector) to extract phase-noise information. This intermediary processing system bridges the gap between automated wireless measurement and precise phase-noise detection, enabling accurate measurement without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used in phase-noise measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extensive user involvement required
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs self-service by automatically capturing wireless RF signals, processing them through the signal chain, and generating phase-noise measurements without requiring manual biasing or user adjustment. The system autonomously configures the measurement parameters and executes the measurement process, eliminating the need for extensive user involvement while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If non-wireless signal paths are used for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates making measurement impossible for certain transmitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical connection requirement (non-wireless signal paths requiring direct cable connections) with an electromagnetic field-based measurement approach. By using an antenna to capture wireless RF signals, the system eliminates the need for physical signal path connections, enabling measurement of transmitters like cellular phones that cannot provide direct signal access while maintaining measurement precision through sophisticated signal processing.
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 accurate and automated measurement of phase-noise in wireless transmitters, optimizing performance without the need for manual biasing or non-wireless signal paths, thus improving measurement efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna, low-noise amplifier, frequency source (which may be a local oscillator), first coupler, first variable phase-shifter, first mixer, and controller (which may be processor). The antenna may be configured for receiving the transmitted RF signal to provide a received RF signal
Implementation Method 2
the low-noise amplifier may be configured to amplify the received RF signal to provide an amplified RF signal
Implementation Method 3
The frequency source may be configured to provide a frequency reference signal (which may be an LO signal)
Implementation Method 4
The first variable phase-shifter may be configured to phase-shift a second version of the LO signal into a quadrature LO signal responsive to a control signal
Implementation Method 5
The first mixer may be configured to mix the signals received at its RF and LO ports to provide a first mixed output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A noise test measurement system configured to measure a noise component of a transmitted RF signal is described. The noise test measurement system may include an antenna, a low-noise amplifier, a local oscillator, a first coupler, a first variable phase-shifter, a first mixer, and a processor.