Lab Fundamentals - Antenna Arrays

A link budget predicts how received power changes if system gain/loss factors change.

A link budget accounts for all gain or loss sources between a transmitter and receiver.

Measuring the gain or loss of each component in a wireless system is beneficial for predicting signal strength.

A device used to experiment with 5G millimeter-wave phased arrays in communications.

Measuring radio frequency and microwave signals and components.

Written reports documenting lab experiments, including results and procedures for projects like Link Budget

Test in class to assess understanding of specific knowledge gained during a lab session.

Measuring the properties (like gain or loss) of a component in an electronic device

The decrease in signal strength when an RF connector is used in a wireless system, typically between 0.25 and 0.5 dB at 28 GHz.

The decrease in signal strength when using a short piece of coaxial cable in a wireless system, typically between 4.5 and 5.0 dB at 28 GHz.

Effective Isotropic Radiated Power. Represents the total power radiated by an antenna in all directions, as if it were an ideal isotropic antenna.

The difference between the received signal strength and the minimum signal strength needed for reliable communication.

The minimum signal strength required for a receiver to function correctly, either in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (analog) or bit error rate (digital).

The process of fine-tuning the amplification of each RF channel in a multi-channel wireless system.

The variation in signal strength between different channels in a multi-channel wireless system.

When signals from multiple sources combine, they can either reinforce (constructive) or cancel out (destructive) each other.

When two signals with the same amplitude and frequency are combined, they can cancel each other out if they are out of phase.

The difference in the starting point of two waves with the same frequency, measured in degrees or radians.

Techniques to alter the timing of a signal, affecting its phase relative to another signal.

Adjusting the phase of a signal to achieve desired interference patterns (e.g., constructive or destructive).

When waves combine in phase, their amplitudes add up, resulting in a larger amplitude.

When waves combine out of phase, their amplitudes cancel out, resulting in a smaller amplitude.

A wireless communication link where signals travel through the air, as opposed to cables.

Testing electronic components or systems using cables to connect them, as opposed to OTA testing.

Directing the focus of a millimetre-wave antenna array to specific locations, usually done electronically for efficiency and flexibility.

Phased arrays use constructive and destructive interference to create narrow, directional beams, allowing for efficient signal transmission and reception.

Millimetre waves are short and require high-gain antennas to make up for signal loss. These antennas have narrow beams, needing steering for communication.

Electronic beamforming uses phase adjustments to control the beam direction, whereas mechanical steering involves physically moving the antenna.

Measuring at regular intervals can miss the exact peaks and nulls of the beam pattern, leading to inaccurate results.

Instead of fixed intervals, a 'beam scanning' method allows for precise measurement of antenna pattern details.

A specialized device used for measuring antenna patterns in mmWave applications, including a swing arm, ruler, protractor, and software for phase control.

Adjusting the phase difference between signals from adjacent antenna elements to control the direction of the beam.