Vecta is pleased to announce the grant of Australian Patent No. 2015240437. This has a priority date of April 2014 and similar patent applications have been submitted with the same priority date in several other international jurisdictions.
This patent relates to a method and apparatus for testing one or more antennas, or an antenna sector assembly including multiple remote radio units, for use in 3G, 4G (LTE) and evolving 5G mobile telecommunications networks. The invention comprises of a precision testing laboratory environment within a transportable facility, specifically a standard form-factor shipping (Conex) container. The testing laboratory includes equipment for generating RF signals, material for absorbing RF signals, a precision vibration system that supports a device under test, a sloping surface (ceiling), a linear motion system to allow for antenna radiation pattern measurements and other critical elements required to record RF performance parameters.
The key advantage of this invention is that it allows a full system test under dynamic vibration conditions, from core network through to mobile device, prior to installation of the antenna assembly in the mobile network. Measurements are highly automated, controlled and repeatable, minimising as far as possible human intervention in testing processes.
The grant of this patent provides further recognition of Vecta’s pioneering work in the field of specialised test and measurement systems.