RF test fixture for adaptive-antenna radio systems
First Claim
1. A radio-frequency combiner-splitter, comprising:
- (a) a microwave cavity with an internal volume generally enclosed by a conductive skin;
(b) a plurality of radio-frequency access ports placed at a set of locations and penetrating said conductive skin; and
(c) a corresponding plurality of antennas each associated with individuals of said plurality of radio-frequency access ports and providing for near-field free-space intercommunication of radio signals within said internal volume amongst said radio-frequency access ports;
wherein, individual members of the plurality of radio-frequency access ports are associated in groups, and any particular radio-frequency access port of the plurality of radio-frequency access ports presents a spatial signature to any grouping of the plurality of radio-frequency access ports that does not include the particular radio-frequency access port, and said spatial signatures occurring as a result of the particular way the plurality of radio-frequency access ports have been placed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An RF-signal combiner-splitter comprises a microwave cavity that is intended to mix together radio signals in the 2.0 GHz spectrum. A hollow cylindrical metal tube with a volume of a few cubic feet to a few cubic yards is closed at one end and open at the other. Many RF-ports into the microwave cavity are provided at random positions that penetrate the hollow cylindrical metal tube. For example BNC-type bulkhead connectors with 10 dB attenuator pads are used with a 2 to 3 inch whip antenna inside the cavity volume. The attenuator pads brute-force an impedance match between the radio equipment under test and their corresponding RF-ports. The open end of the hollow cylindrical metal tube allows for the quick decay of RF-reflections that reverberate inside the cavity volume. Such open end is preferably directed toward nadir because interfering signals are generally minimum from that direction. In alternative embodiments, the cavity volume is partially filled with an RF-absorbing foam or other material to control reflections and limit the RF-energy within.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A radio-frequency combiner-splitter, comprising:
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(a) a microwave cavity with an internal volume generally enclosed by a conductive skin; (b) a plurality of radio-frequency access ports placed at a set of locations and penetrating said conductive skin; and (c) a corresponding plurality of antennas each associated with individuals of said plurality of radio-frequency access ports and providing for near-field free-space intercommunication of radio signals within said internal volume amongst said radio-frequency access ports; wherein, individual members of the plurality of radio-frequency access ports are associated in groups, and any particular radio-frequency access port of the plurality of radio-frequency access ports presents a spatial signature to any grouping of the plurality of radio-frequency access ports that does not include the particular radio-frequency access port, and said spatial signatures occurring as a result of the particular way the plurality of radio-frequency access ports have been placed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification