WWAN Test System Quantifying NFS to OTA Results
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WWAN test methods lack a quantitative relationship between Noise Floor System (NFS) and Over The Air (OTA) test results, leading to errors in decision-making during product research and development, with NFS tests being unsuitable for determining OTA test outcomes and OTA tests being costly and resource-intensive for R&D.
Innovation Solution
A WWAN test method and system that measures noise power, power attenuation, and antenna efficiency to calculate a Total Isolation Signal (TIS) value, establishing a quantitative link between NFS and OTA test results using a spectrum analyzer, base station simulator, and control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If NFS test method is used for WWAN testing, then test cost is reduced and test time is shortened, but there is no quantitative relationship between NFS test results and OTA test results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation model that uses antenna efficiency (AE) and path loss (PL) as mediating parameters to bridge NFS and OTA test results. The formula TIS=D(NFS)+D-sense-AE establishes a quantitative relationship by adding correction factors to the NFS measurement to derive the equivalent OTA result, allowing fast NFS testing to predict accurate OTA outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the NFS test parameter D(NFS) into an equivalent OTA result TIS by applying parameter transformations involving antenna efficiency AE and path loss D-sense. This parameter change approach converts a simple noise floor measurement into a comprehensive signal quality assessment that correlates with OTA performance.
2Measurement precision
If OTA test method is used for WWAN testing, then accurate wireless communication function evaluation is achieved, but test cost increases and test time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary NFS testing to obtain D(NFS) values and pre-calculates antenna efficiency AE and path loss D-sense parameters. These preliminary measurements and calculations enable the rapid derivation of TIS values without requiring actual OTA testing, thus maintaining accuracy while significantly reducing test time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational copy of the OTA test result (TIS) based on NFS measurements and correction factors. Instead of performing the expensive and time-consuming actual OTA test, the system calculates an equivalent result that replicates what the OTA test would show, achieving the same evaluation purpose more efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If NFS test is performed without quantitative correction factors, then simple and fast testing is achieved, but decision-making errors occur due to lack of data relationship
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for complex physical OTA testing infrastructure with a computational system that uses mathematical corrections. Instead of mechanically setting up expensive OTA test environments, the system substitutes this with electronic calculations using D(NFS), AE, and D-sense parameters to reliably predict test outcomes.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a WWAN test method and a test system related to the communication field, which is suitable for the product research and development stage and can derive a quantitative data relationship between a NFS test result and an OTA test result. The WWAN test method comprises: measuring a power value of noises, denoted by D(NFS), received by an antenna of a terminal to be tested in a NFS test manner; measuring a power attenuation value, denoted by D-sense, of a path from a WWAN module to the antenna of the terminal; obtaining an antenna efficiency value, denoted by AE, of the terminal; and obtaining a TIS value of an OTA test result by TIS=D(NFS)+D-sense−AE. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in the NFS test.