Wireless Test System Antenna Alignment and Grounded Clamp Reflection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF automatic test equipment for mmW-based antenna-in-package devices faces issues such as signal path loss and reduced testing coverage due to the obstruction caused by handler arms and long cables, which degrade the radiation of the device under test.
Innovation Solution
A wireless test system with a load board and a handler that uses pogo pins and a grounded clamp to align the device's antenna structure with the testing antenna, minimizing signal path loss and eliminating the need for cables through the load board, thereby improving moisture isolation and testing coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If long cables are used to connect the testing antenna to the RF instrumentation circuity under the load board, then the testing coverage can be extended, but the signal path loss increases significantly and the handler arm movement is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The testing antenna is moved from a position under the load board to the upper surface of the load board, changing the spatial dimension of the testing setup. This repositioning eliminates the need for long cables and reduces signal path loss while maintaining testing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing antenna is extracted from the traditional position under the load board and relocated to the upper surface. This separation allows the RF instrumentation circuity to remain under the load board while the testing antenna operates independently on the upper surface, eliminating cable length issues.
2Device complexity
If the RF instrumentation circuity is disposed under the load board, then the layout is compact, but long cables are needed which obstruct handler arm movement and cause signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The testing antenna is repositioned to the upper surface of the load board, creating a multi-level spatial arrangement where the RF instrumentation circuity remains under the load board for compactness, while the testing antenna operates on the upper surface for ease of operation and handler arm accessibility.
3Reliability
If the clamp of the handler arm is used to hold the DUT, then the DUT can be securely positioned, but the clamp degrades or blocks the radiation of the DUT and requires complex mechanical designs
Solution Approach 1:
The grounded clamp, which was previously considered harmful due to its blocking effect on radiation, is repositioned to function as a ground reflector. This converts the harmful blocking effect into a beneficial reflection effect that redirects radiation from the DUT antenna toward the testing antenna, improving signal quality while maintaining secure DUT positioning.
4Ease of operation
If cables pass through the load board, then the testing antenna can be connected to the RF instrumentation circuity, but moisture isolation is degraded during low-temperature testing
Solution Approach 1:
The cables are extracted from the load board structure by relocating the testing antenna to the upper surface of the load board. This eliminates the need for cables to pass through the load board, thereby maintaining moisture isolation integrity during low-temperature testing while still enabling connection between the testing antenna and RF instrumentation circuity.
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
The solution enhances the accuracy and performance of over-the-air testing by reducing signal path loss and increasing testing coverage, allowing for higher maximum stimulus power and improved testing coverage without the need for complex mechanical designs or long cables.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp is grounded during testing and functions as a ground reflector that reflects and reverses radiation pattern of the DUT from an upward direction to a downward direction toward the testing antenna
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wireless test system (1a) includes a load board (10) having an upper surface (10a) and a lower surface (10b). The load board (10) has a testing antenna (121) disposed on the load board (10). A socket (30) for receiving a device under test, DUT, (100) having an antenna structure (101) therein is disposed on the upper surface (10a) of the load board (10). The antenna structure (101) is aligned with the testing antenna (121) . The wireless test system (1a) further includes a handler (50) for picking up and delivering the DUT (100) to the socket (30). The handler (50) has a clamp (502) for holding and pressing the DUT (100). The clamp (502) is grounded during testing and functions as a ground reflector that reflects and reverses radiation pattern of the DUT (100) from an upward direction to a downward direction toward the testing antenna (121).