Wireless Vectorial Measurement Receiver for Near-Field Antenna Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vectorial analysis of near-field properties in wireless devices requires complex, heavy devices that are typically fixed, necessitating cable connections between measurement antennas and receivers, which are prone to attenuation and connectivity issues.

Innovation Solution

A test arrangement that combines measurement antennas and vectorial measurement receivers, allowing them to be moved together while maintaining a constant spatial relationship, eliminating the need for cables and using simplified, lightweight receivers for phase synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed vectorial analysis device is used for measuring near-field properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenear-field measurement precisionVSAvoidvectorial analysis device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the measurement function into multiple portable measurement devices, each capable of independent vectorial analysis. Instead of one large fixed device, multiple smaller devices are distributed around the antenna under test, with each device performing localized measurements and contributing to the overall near-field characterization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Measurement devices communicate results and synchronize phase information through wireless digital communication rather than physical cable connections, eliminating the mechanical constraints and attenuation issues of cable-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cable connections are used between measurement antennas and fixed vectorial analysis devices, then signal transmission is achieved, but signal attenuation and connector failures occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement availabilityVSAvoidsignal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Measurement devices communicate results and synchronize phase information through wireless digital communication rather than physical cable connections, eliminating the mechanical constraints and attenuation issues of cable-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces wireless digital communication as an intermediary between measurement devices and the central processing system. This intermediary allows for robust data and synchronization transmission without the physical limitations of cable connections, including attenuation, connector failures, and movement restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If measurement devices are moved around the device under test, then spatial scanning capability is improved, but cable connectivity and signal stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial scanning capabilityVSAvoidconnector reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If a single fixed vectorial analysis device is used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but assembly space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenear-field data accuracyVSAvoidassembly space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-point fixed measurement approach to a distributed spatial measurement system. Multiple measurement devices are positioned at different locations around the antenna under test, utilizing the three-dimensional space available in the near-field region to perform comprehensive measurements without requiring a large centralized assembly space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10838004B2Test arrangement and test method

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

Summarizing, the present invention relates to a test arrangement in the test method for acquiring test data in the surrounding of a device under test. At least two measurement devices are arranged in the surrounding of the device under test, wherein the two measurement devices are communicatively coupled for phase locking. At least one of the measurement devices can be moved around the device under test for acquiring measurement data, wherein the measurement devices comprise a measurement antenna and the vectorial measurement receiver. Accordingly, during the measurements, the at least one vectorial measurement receiver is moved around together with the measurement antenna, wherein the spatial relationship between the measurement antenna and the vectorial measurement receiver is remained constant during the movement.