1. “AMPA” Actives Multiple Probes Array
Patch Antenna Near Field Phase Test Application
“AMPA” project pitch report to PWT & TEAK, seeking further development & implementation, with potential for licensing
ALL Concept, Design, Testing, Development and Documentation created and owned by Stephen Nibblett
(this report is dated August 3, 2013)

2. AMPA: Project Overview
ƒProject Goal:
ƒ Improvement of current antenna phase test processes for cycle time
ƒ Steps:
ƒ Test “proof of concept”, report result
ƒ Proceed to development stage, achieve project goal, receive feedback
ƒ Implement project feedback, test proto production solution (equip, process)
ƒ Submit final release implementation plan and project completion timeline
ƒ Expected Final Project Results:
ƒ Improvement on process cycle times
ƒ Improvement over current process accuracy, traceability and repeatability
ƒ Possible reduction of test station factory footprint, or assembly line integration
2

3. 3
“AMPA” Calibration Concept:
Proof Of Concept Test

4. AMPA: Offset Data Measurement 4
GS
-40dB CPL
“Flying Probe” Reference Measurement
TERM
GS
-40dB CPL
“AMPA” Offset
Measurement
TERM
10dB
pad
Note: the 10dB pad simulates using the AMPA!

5. AMPA: Offset Data Set Calculation 5
“FP” Reference Measurement
“AMPA” Offset Measurement
“AMPA” Complex Offset Values

6. AMPA: Un-Calibrated
“DUT” & “Ref” Measurements
6
DUT
-10dB CPL
“FP” REFERENCE ONLY
Measurement
TERM
DUT
-10dB CPL
“AMPA” Un-Calibrated
Measurement
TERM
10dB
pad

7. AMPA: DUT Calibration Calculations 7
“AMPA” Complex Offset Values
“AMPA” Un-Calibrated Measurement
“AMPA” Calibrated Measurement

8. AMPA: Final Test Result Measurement Error 8
“AMPA” CALIBRATED Measurement
“FP” REFERENCE Measurement
Calibrated “AMPA” Measurement Error
Note: this “method simulation” is a closed RF circuit; no actual antenna or near-field probes used yet!

9. 9
“AMPA” Prototype Hardware:
Initial Testing

10. AMPA Prototype Panel Testing ( .8 Meter ) 10
ANTENNA UNITS:
MODEL:
7720.00 WC
UXM-1710-2170-65-15i-A-D
1710-2170 MHz
5 PATCHES, 1 ROW
Test Conditions: 0 TILT, +45 port
GS1
SN B9111625717
DUT1
SN B9113281493
GS2
(REPLACEMENT GS)
SN B9112168887

11. APMA Proto Initial Test Results: Patch 1 11

12. APMA Proto Initial Test Results: Patch 2 12

13. APMA Proto Initial Test Results: Patch 3 13

14. APMA Proto Initial Test Results: Patch 4 14

15. APMA Proto Initial Test Results: Patch 5 15

16. AMPA Proto Test:
Sources Of Measurement Error
ƒ (Omitted)
16

17. 17
AMPA, Prototype Hardware:
Improvement Efforts Result, Step 1

18. AMPA Proto Improvement: Patch 1 (630mm)
18
Before:
After:

19. AMPA Proto Improvement: Patch 2 (490mm)
19
Before:
After:

20. AMPA Proto Improvement: Patch 3 (350mm)
20
Before:
After:

21. AMPA Proto Improvement: Patch 4 (230mm)
21
Before:
After:

22. AMPA Proto Improvement: Patch 5 (130mm)
22
Before:
After:

23. AMPA Proto Improvement: Step 1 Findings
ƒ (Step 1 Implemented Fixes Omitted)
ƒ Inaccuracies presumably come (omitted), such as (omitted) or
inadequate (omitted) from (omitted)
ƒ Possibility of defective DUT or Golden Standard unit!
ƒ Revaluate Antenna patch to AMPA probe positioning
ƒ (Step 2 Planned Fixes Omitted)
23

24. 24
AMPA, Prototype Hardware:
Improvement Efforts Result, Step 2

25. AMPA Proto Correlation : Patch 1 (590mm)
25

26. AMPA Proto Correlation : Patch 2 (470mm)
26

27. AMPA Proto Correlation : Patch 3 (350mm)
27

28. AMPA Proto Correlation : Patch 4 (210mm)
28

29. AMPA Proto Correlation : Patch 5 (90mm)
29

30. 30
Test Result:
TARGET +16
LOWER -8
UPPER +40
FP 17.07430891
AMPA 13.74380197
DIFF -3.330506935
AMPA Proto Correlation : Delta Patch 1-5

31. 31
AMPA Proto Correlation : Delta Patch 2-5
Test Result:
TARGET 0
LOWER -23
UPPER +23
FP 0.075363288
AMPA -1.439497764
DIFF -1.514861053

32. 32
AMPA Proto Correlation : Delta Patch 3-5
Test Result:
TARGET +16
LOWER -7
UPPER +39
FP 13.67497616
AMPA 12.89041862
DIFF -0.784557544

33. 33
AMPA Proto Correlation : Delta Patch 4-5
Test Result:
TARGET +30
LOWER -3
UPPER +43
FP 23.70230639
AMPA 22.16028639
DIFF -1.542019998

34. AMPA Proto Hardware Development:
Improvements Testing Conclusion
ƒExcellent “Flying Probe” to “AMPA” measurement correlation!
ƒ Proceed to testing of full 1.8m size AMPA panel is now advised
ƒ Final hardware / jigging design and optimization should now proceed
ƒ Production Software team advised to proceed planning
IMPORTANT NOTE:
ƒ Original test data errata were due mostly to unintentional conditions:
ƒ GS1 reference unit had an older model patch design than DUT1 or GS2!!!
ƒ Result of Conditions: corrections not matched for patch designs across freq. band
ƒ Lesson Learned: DO NOT Cross-Test Different Antenna Design Versions!
34

35. 35
AMPA, Production Implementation:
New Test Station Layout Development

36. Vertical Test Station Mod:
Phase Testing Position
36
• AMPA alignment jigging not shown
Motor / Pulley arrangement

37. 37
• AMPA alignment jigging not shown
Motor / Pulley arrangement
Vertical Test Station Mod:
RL & ISOL Testing Position

38. S-Param Testing New Layout 1:
Manual Insertion of AUT onto jig
38
• AUT fitted to locating holes

39. S-Param Testing New Layout 1:
Testing Start Position
39
• Barcode Camera (not scanner)

40. S-Param Testing New Layout 1:
AMPA phase testing
40
• AUT lifted to AMPA for phase

41. S-Param Testing New Layout 1:
AUT re-positioning
41
• AUT lowered from AMPA test
• AUT moved into isolation area

42. S-Param Testing New Layout 1:
Finish AUT Testing
42
• AUT tested for RL and ISO
• Could also implement PIM tests
(I designed lo/hi power RF switchboxes)

43. ƒ Advantages (from current layout):
ƒ Different typecodes can be ran concurrently without rejigging
ƒ Disadvantages:
ƒ Usage of motors or pneumatics overly complicated, expensive
ƒ Antenna weights can be excessive for some models
New S-Param Testing Layout 1:
Observations
43

44. S-Param Testing New Layout 2:
Phase Test Position
44
o AUT fitted to block locating holes
o AUT heights adjusted to AMPA:
• by adapter blocks
• by spring loaded block
• …or combination of both

45. S-Param Testing New Layout 2:
Phase Test Position
45
o AUT fitted to block locating holes
o AUT heights adjusted to AMPA:
• by adapter blocks
• by spring loaded block
• …or combination of both

46. S-Param Testing New Layout 2:
Phase Test Jigging
46
o AMPA height is fixed during testing
(SHOWN VIEW IS FROM USER SIDE; END VIEW SHOWN PREVIOUSLY)

47. S-Param Testing New Layout 2:
RL & ISO Test Position
47
o AMPA armature counter-weighted
o RL & ISO FOAM layers extended
NOTE: drop-down foam may NOT be needed

48. ƒ Advantages (from current layout):
ƒ Different typecodes can be ran concurrently without rejigging
ƒ Disadvantages:
ƒ Current test station hardware not utilized, not enough re-investment
New S-Param Testing Layout 2:
Observations
48

49. S-Param Testing New Layout 3:
RL & ISO Test Position
49
o AMPA counter-weighted, light handling
o Roll Handle for AMPA positioning

50. S-Param Testing New Layout 3:
RL & ISO Test Position
50
o AMPA “stored” at 90~180 degrees
o No immediate AUT proximity effects*
( * need verification test data! Updated: OK!!!)

51. S-Param Testing New Layout 3:
RL & ISO Test Position
51
AMPA-AUT Common Zero Position

52. S-Param Testing New Layout 3:
Phase Test Position
52
o AMPA-AUT alignment zone constant
o Each AUT model has adapter blocks
• Common AMPA zero positioning
• Custom heights adjustment
• Custom 1/2/3 row alignment
• Far end block distance not critical
o Common main mount hardware
(NOTE: AMPA rail alignment hardware not shown)

53. S-Param Testing New Layout 3:
Final Draft Hardware DWGs
Shown in:
a. RL and Isolation test position
b. Rotation
c. Phase test position
53
a.
b.
c.

54. 54
Thank You!
ƒ Stephen Nibblett, October 25, 2011