Abstract:
Disclosed is a compact reconfigurable channel emulator, which may be used to emulate severe fading environments and test wireless systems and subsystems for operation in severe channel environments. Examples include radios, coding schemes, diversity methods and antennas. In particular, the chamber is well suited to test hardware associated with wireless sensor deployments for these tend to be susceptible to severe fading scenarios. Moreover, the invention is significantly smaller than traditional testing instruments, and with its automation, reduces electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility testing time and costs.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of prior filed International Application, Serial Number PCT/US2008/077198 filed Sep. 22, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/973,915 filed Sep. 20, 2007 which is hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to an instrument for testing electromagnetic signal fading that occurs with wireless transmitting and receiving devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In wireless communications, the presence of radiofrequency (RF) interferers surrounding a transmitter and receiver create multiple paths for a transmitted signal. This causes multiple copies of the transmitted signal, each traveling a different path, to superimpose at the receiver. Each signal copy experiences differences in attenuation, polarization change, delay, and phase shift, which results in constructive or destructive interference, amplifying or attenuating the signal power seen at the receiver. Strong destructive interference is frequently referred to as a deep fade and may result in temporary failure of communication due to a severe drop in the channel signal-to-noise ratio. Recent data collected aboard aircraft, rotorcraft, and busses indicate it is not uncommon for multipath fading within these structures to be severe. This result is not unexpected, as these environments are essentially metal cavities. 
         [0004]    Rayleigh fading models assume a signal&#39;s magnitude, after passing through a transmission medium, will fade according to a Rayleigh distribution, a radial component of the sum of two uncorrelated Gaussian random variables. The model requires many signal scatterers, thus Rayleigh fading models are useful in heavily built urban areas where there is no dominant propagation along a line of sight between the transmitter and receiver and many buildings and other objects attenuate, reflect, refract, and diffract the signal. The fading characteristics within aircraft, rotorcraft, and busses are often found to be more severe than predicted using Rayleigh fading models. Analytical models for this fading regime, deemed hyper-Rayleigh, were developed and a two-ray model proposed for this application space. Wireless devices are typically tested in an RF chamber, which include anechoic chambers and electromagnetic reverberation chambers. 
         [0005]    Two different radio frequency (RF) test chambers have historically been utilized to create controlled environments for testing wireless systems. The first, the anechoic chamber, is designed so that any energy incident on the chamber walls and other structures inside the chamber is absorbed and not reflected. These chambers are commonly used for electromagnetic compatibility/electromagnetic interference (EMC/EMI) testing and for antenna measurements. Unfortunately, multipath propagation between a transmitting and receiving source is non-existent for these chambers as the walls and structures are covered with energy absorbing anechoic material. Chambers are often constructed within small- to medium-sized rooms, facilitating easy installation of test equipment and also so that far field antenna performance can be measured. 
         [0006]    Anechoic chambers are lined with a radiation absorbent material (RAM), such as carbon-impregnated foam or rubberized foam impregnated with carbon and iron. The RF anechoic chamber is typically used to house equipment for measuring antenna characteristics, radiation patterns, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) electromagnetic interference (EMI), and radar cross-section characteristics. EMI testing is performed to analyze the properties of antennas and other electronics that are susceptible to radio or microwave interference The RAM is designed and shaped to absorb incident RF radiation from as many incident directions as possible, reducing the level of reflected RF radiation. Ideal RAM materials are neither a good electrical conductor nor insulator, but are an intermediate grade material which absorbs power gradually in a controlled way as the incident wave penetrates the RAM material. To work effectively, all internal surfaces of the anechoic chamber must be entirely covered with RAM. One of the most effective types of RAM comprises arrays of pyramid shaped pieces, which act to resist and dissipate electromagnetic waves. 
         [0007]    Anechoic chambers vary in size, depending on the test objects and frequency range of the radio or microwave signals used. Many EMC tests and antenna radiation patterns require spurious signals arising from the test setup, including reflections, to be negligible to avoid measurement errors and ambiguities. Thus, the test setups require extra room than that required to simply house the test equipment, the hardware under test and associated cables. The costs associated with constructing an anechoic chamber are typically high, accounting for the extra test space, such as minimum distance between the transmitting and receiving antenna for far field testing, along with the extra space required for the RAM. For most companies such an investment in a large RF anechoic chamber is not justifiable unless it is likely to be used continuously or perhaps rented out. 
         [0008]    An electromagnetic reverberation chamber, or mode-stirred chamber (MSC), is a screened room with highly reflective walls, which acts as a cavity resonator. This allows the MSC chamber to act as an environment for EMC and EMI testing and other electromagnetic investigations. Because the chamber has low absorption, very high field strength can be achieved with moderate input power. Reverberation chambers vary in size but tend to be electrically large (e.g., &gt;60%). 
         [0009]    The spatial distribution of the electrical and magnetical field strength is strongly inhomogeneous, due to the reflective surfaces in the MSC chamber. To reduce this inhomogenity, one or more rotating, reflective panels (or stirrers), and/or changes in the position and/or orientation of the emission source are used. The Lowest Usable Frequency (LUF) of a reverberation chamber depends on the size of the chamber and the design of the tuner. Small chambers have a higher LUF than large chambers. Mixing the modes in this manner allows test objects, in a single orientation to be exposed to EM energy in many different angles of incidence and polarization. MSC have been shown to be effective in creating time-varying environments with Ricean characteristics ranging from negligible fading to Rayleigh. This variability in fading is created through the addition or removal, respectively, of anechoic material. 
         [0010]    However, there are currently no means to enable systems to be tested under these hyper-Rayleigh conditions in a reliable and repeatable manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Disclosed is a compact reconfigurable channel emulator (CRCE), which is useful in creating a wide variety of fading scenarios within its cavity, and maximizing inhomogeneous fields. The device is a fully-automatic, bench-top sized instrument and can operate as a stand-alone fully-shielded bench-top structure or in-situ, with the outer shielding removed. In some embodiments, the device is useful in testing wireless systems and subsystems for operation in severe channel environments, like airframes. Examples include radios, coding schemes, diversity methods and antennas. In particular, embodiments of the chamber are well suited to test hardware associated with wireless sensor deployments for these tend to be susceptible to severe fading scenarios. Embodiments of the device allow detailed control of fading scenarios, thus permitting repeatable fading through fine control of the reflecting surfaces. Additionally, hyper-Rayleigh fading scenarios may be generated by some embodiments. This may allow for characterization of wireless communication devices under realistic “in the field” operating environments. The disclosed device is capable of creating in a reliable and repeatable fashion fading scenarios ranging from no fading to two ray, severe fading scenarios. This is useful in testing wireless devices for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). 
         [0012]    In some embodiments of the device, the compact reconfigurable channel emulator can operate as a stand-alone fully-shielded bench-top structure or in-situ, with the outer shielding removed. The device eliminates the need for manual repositioning of receiving and transmitting antennae during channel testing. Further, any arbitrary wireless channel condition may be recreated inside the device, enabling the user to rigorously test the wireless device. 
         [0013]    The device comprises a test chamber of a set size. In some embodiments, the device is 3 ft×3 ft×2 ft, and is therefore physically smaller than typical anechoic or reverberation chambers. In specific embodiments, the device is used to test 2.5 and 5 GHz electromagnetic wireless bands. The device may be larger or smaller to operate in different electromagnetic spectrum. The test chamber may be constructed as an electromagnetically reflective chamber; an electromagnetically absorbent chamber, or a RAM coated chamber, through selecting appropriate materials as known in the art. Nonexclusive examples of useful materials include steel, aluminum, and copper-mesh. All are conductive and exhibit reasonably high reflection coefficients. The material may remain as thin as structurally possible. In some embodiments, the electromagnetically reflective chamber is constructed using aluminum plating joined together. The invention also offers the potential for significant cost savings over currently available technologies due to its small size, and the ability to significantly reduce testing time because of its automation features. At least one electromagnetically reflective blade is pivotally attached to the test chamber. In some embodiments, the reflective blades are attached to the ceiling of the test chamber. In certain embodiments, the reflective blades alter the multipath environment in a controlled manner. The device uses electrical switching arrays in some embodiments. Specific embodiments use a plurality of antennas in electrical contact with a power splitter, and under control of a computer. The computer generates signals within the chamber, resulting in a repeatable multipath environment. The device may use reflective blades, electrical switching arrays, or both in generating multipath scenarios. The addition or subtraction of anechoic material is utilized in certain embodiments for creating a wide range of fades. In specific embodiments the sizes of anechoic sections are minimized in thickness, to prevent cluttering the chamber. For this reason, anechoic performance may be sacrificed in place of flat (non-pyramidal), space-efficient designs. 
         [0014]    Gaps in the chamber walls will allow signal contamination, compromising the repeatability of fading scenarios. Thus, in certain embodiments, the corners and doorway of the chamber are effectively shielded with reflective or anechoic material. 
         [0015]    A plurality of antenna are disposed within the test chamber. The antenna are electromagnetically bound within the test chamber in some embodiments, such that signals emanating from the antenna do not radiate beyond the test chamber and electromagnetic energy does not enter the test chamber during testing. The antenna comprises at least one signal transmission antenna, at least one receiving antenna, and at least one delay transmission antenna. In each antenna, the antenna is either an antenna or a connection port for accepting an antenna and communication cable. 
         [0016]    In embodiments using connection ports, communication lines are utilized to transmit instructions to a test device or antenna within the test chamber. In some embodiments, the test chamber is excited by a transmitting antenna, which may be a fixed antenna, cellular phone, electric monopole, a helical antenna, a microstrip patch antenna, or an antenna array. The transmitting antenna does not direct radiation directly to the receiver antenna in certain embodiments. Data is collected from a signal detection device, electrically connected to the at least one receiving antenna. The signal detection device may be a network analyzer, which in some embodiments is a vector network analyzer (VNA) that sweeps the frequency and provides S-parameters for the band of interest. VNAs useful in this device include, without limitation, the Anritsu 37000D, Anritsu MS462XB/D, Anritsu MS4630B, Agilent E8362B/HP E8362B, Agilent N5320A/HP N5230A 4-Port PNA-L, Agilent N5242A, Agilent 8510C Agilent 8719ES, Agilent E5100A, Agilent E5071C ENA, Agilent E5061A ENA-L, Agilent E5062A ENA-L Agilent 4395A, Agilent 4396B, Agilent 8757D, Agilent 89410A, Agilent 89440A, and Rohde &amp; Schwarz ZVA series analyzers. Alternatively, the signal detection device is a wireless test device or a vector signal analyzer. Non-limiting examples of useful vector signal analyzers include Agilent 89600VSA, Agilent 89441A, Agilent HP 89440A, Agilent 89641A, E4406A, Agilent 89410A, Agilent 89611A, Agilent 4195A, Rohde &amp;Schwarz FSQ K70, Rohde &amp; Schwarz FSQ K90, Hewlett Packard 89440A, Keithley 2020, Keithly 2810, and Anritsu MS2690A. 
         [0017]    The device also has the ability to add delay lines to emulate strong reflections off a distant object. The delay transmission antenna is electronically connected to the delay line, which may be constructed of coaxial line, triaxial line, twin-axial line, biaxial line, and semi-rigid line. In specific embodiments, all cables providing data to or from the test chamber are constructed of coaxial line, triaxial line, twin-axial line, biaxial line, and semi-rigid line. In some embodiments, interference ports or interference antenna are also provided, which are useful to conduct susceptibility testing. In specific embodiments of the disclosed device, the interference antennas are connected to a distribution network of switches, amplifiers, delay lines, power splitters, and combiners. Further, the electromagnetically reflective blade is attached to motor to provide fading scenarios. In some embodiments, a stepper motor used to provide discrete control to a fixed number of fading scenarios. The blade may alternatively be attached to an adjacent DC motor to create higher-rate temporal variations, a shaded pole AC induction motor, split-phase capacitor AC induction motor, AC synchronous motor, stepper DC motor, brushless DC motor, coreless DC motor, brushed DC motor, singly-fed electric motor, or a doubly-fed electric motor. The motor in the provided embodiments may rotate the stirrer at a continuous speed from 0.1 to 2.0 Hz. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the motor for the reflective blades, as well as data acquisition are controlled through a personal computer. In specific embodiments, rotation of the reflective blades occurs concurrently with electronic switching of fading states, generating unique fading patterns. Alternatively, the fading patterns are generated by only the reflective blades or electronic switching. A graphical user interface (GUI), may be provided for the motor control electromagnetic signal transmission and data acquisition. Data is collected in one of two scan modes, frequency-varying or time-varying, for which the user selects a frequency range or a specific frequency for testing, respectively. Sweeps are captured from the VNA and a cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the data and statistical computation are displayed on the GUI. 
         [0019]    The GUI also allows control of the rotation and position of the rotating blade. The blade can be rotated at a continuous speed from 0.1 to 2.0 Hz, for time-selective scanning. The blade may also be positioned at specific angles for frequency-selective scanning. The precise angle of each blade is calculated from the relative position of the blades to a “Home” position. Each 7.2° step made by the motor generates a unique fading environment, which can be recreated by setting the blade to that specific angle. 
         [0020]    Movable objects are disposed within the device in some embodiments, such that the objects are sequentially movable during the apparatus operation. The movable objects may be a movable platform, an oscillating fan, and a wireless test device. 
         [0021]    Also disclosed is a method of characterizing an electromagnetic communication device, using the disclosed device. A plurality of antenna in the test apparatus are placed within the device, wherein the plurality of antenna further comprise at least one transmitting antenna, at least one delay transmission antenna and at least one receiving antenna. The user then creates a fading environment within the device, as described above. The user may create fading environments through the device, including Ricean fading, Rayliegh fading, hyper-Rayliegh fading, two-ray fading, 10 dB fading, 20 dB fading, 30 dB fading, or 40 dB fading. In some embodiments, the computer controls the reflective blades, which influence fading within the device. The user may also create a fade free environment. An electromagnetic signal is then generated from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna, allowing the signals to be influenced by the environment. The signals are collected by the receiving antenna and the electromagnetic signal data collected. In some embodiments, movable objects are added to the device, which may include without limiting the device, a movable platform, an oscillating fan, and a wireless test device. In specific embodiments, the movable object is moved continuously during a measurement operation. 
         [0022]    The device may collect bit error rate, frame error rate frequency-selective fading, time-selective fading, signal-to-interference ratio, time/frequency fading, spatial diversity benefits, response of equalization algorithms, power control algorithms, and frequency diversity benefits. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the CRCE design, depicting the relative location of the components. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a photograph of a fabricated embodiment of the device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a frame captured picture of the CRCE&#39;s graphical user interface. The graphical user interface for the CRCE operation. Information from the CRCE instrument is sent to a PC, and displayed on the GUI. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the CRCE, depicting the relative location of the components. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 5(A)  and (B) depict graphs of frequency-selective data collected by the device, exhibiting Rayleigh fading characteristics. (A) in-band data and (B) cumulative distribution function (CDF) are shown. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 6(A)  and (B) depict graphs of frequency-selective data collected by the device, exhibiting hyper-Rayleigh fading characteristics. (A) in-band data and (B) cumulative distribution function (CDF) are shown. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 7(A)  and (B) depict graphs of frequency-selective data collected by the device, exhibiting Ricean characteristics, showing the inband variation across the 2.40-2.48 GHz ISM band is about 12 dB. (A) in-band data and (B) cumulative distribution function (CDF) are shown. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 8(A)  and (B) depict graphs of frequency-selective data collected by the device, exhibiting hyper-Rayleigh characteristics, showing the inband variation exceeds 40 dB. An illustrative graph of frequency-selective data collected, while exhibiting hyper-Rayleigh characteristics, showing the inband variation exceeds 40 dB. (A) in-band data and (B) cumulative distribution function (CDF) are shown. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 9(A)  and (B) show graphs utilizing the data from  FIGS. 5-8  depicting the unique fading scenarios generated by the device. (A) in-band data and (B) cumulative distribution function (CDF) are shown. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 10(A)  and (B) depict graphs of time-sensitive data, using Rayleigh-like characteristics, collected by the CRCE. The data show fades around 20 dB over time. A graph of time-sensitive data, using Rayleigh-like characteristics, collected by the CRCE. The data show fades around 20 dB over time. (A) in-band data and (B) cumulative distribution function (CDF) are shown. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a photograph of a fabricated embodiment of the device adapted for spatial-selective scanning. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 12(A)  and (B) show graphs of spatial fading responses in the device using three antenna modes at 50 locations. The test chamber used electromagnetically reflective walls (i.e. no anechoic material was added to the test chamber inner lining). (A) in-band data and (B) cumulative distribution function (CDF) are shown. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 13(A)  and (B) show graphs of spatial fading responses in the device using three antenna modes at 50 locations. Anechoic material was added to the test chamber inner lining. (A) in-band data and (B) cumulative distribution function (CDF) are shown. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 14(A)  and (B) show graphs of spatial fading responses in the device using three antennas to create seven discrete signal amplitudes. (A) in-band data showing 500 samples over approximately 2 seconds and (B) cumulative distribution function (CDF) are shown. 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of the CRCE design, depicting the relative location of the components using a computer controlled, 4-way interference design. 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  is an illustration of a an electrical diagram showing the wiring schematic for the electric interference array. 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  an illustration of a an electrical diagram showing the wiring schematic for the interference delay lines. 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  an illustration of a an electrical diagram showing the schematic for the electrical switching array and control connection lines. 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  an illustration of a an electrical diagram showing the electrical switch array. 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  an illustration of a an electrical diagram showing the delay network. 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  an illustration of a an electrical diagram showing the interference network. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0045]    “Wall” as used herein is used to describe sidewalls of a test chamber. The chamber may have any size and shape, such as square, rectangular, trapezoidal, cylindrical regardless of the shape of the chamber. In embodiments utilizing reflecting walls, the walls are most easily provided with metal foil or plates. In at least one of the walls of the chamber there is an access door, which is closed during measurements. The chamber is typically rectangular, however, other shapes, which are easy to realize, are also envisioned. Exemplary embodiments include shapes with vertical walls and flat floor and ceiling and with a horizontal cross-section that forms a circle, ellipse, square, rectangle or other polygon. 
         [0046]    As used herein, a “wireless test device” is any device utilizing electromagnetic fields to transmit or receive data. This includes, without limitation, remote controls, mobile phones, including cellular phones and cordless phones, wireless LAN, including Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth devices, portable two-way radio communications, walkie-talkies, wireless security systems, radio data communications, and child monitors. 
         [0047]    As used herein, an “electrical switching array” is an electromagnetic transmission system adapted to transmit data. The electrical switch array is used, in specific examples, to provide additional multipath scenarios or to increase wireless signal interference. The array may comprise, without limiting the invention, remote controls, mobile phones, including cellular phones and cordless phones, wireless LAN, Bluetooth devices, portable two-way radio communications, walkie-talkies, wireless security systems, radio data communications, transmission antenna. In some embodiments, the electrical switching array is a plurality of devices. A computer may control the transmission and signal characteristics of the devices in specific embodiments. 
         [0048]    A compact reconfigurable channel emulator is depicted in  FIG. 1 , wherein test chamber  100  is constructed of continuously welded aluminum panels, seen in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, test chamber  100  is constructed of wood, cement, Plexiglas, lexan, glass, or other metals. Test chamber  100  is, in some embodiments, encapsulated in conductive mesh, conductive plates, or other material suitable to construct a Faraday cage around the test chamber. Test chamber  100  is a three foot by two foot by three foot box, which corresponds to 7.3λ×4.8λ×7.3λ for a 2.4 GHz test frequency. A plurality of antenna are provided in the device. The plurality of antenna used are long-wire antenna in the 900 MHz to 5.0 GHz range, and may be antenna operating at 2.4 GHZ or 5.0 GHz. The antennas are alternatively double ridged horn antenna in the 1.0 GHz to 40 GHz range, biconical antenna, dipole antenna, or plate antenna. Signal transmission antenna  200  is suspended in test chamber  100  such that signal transmission antenna  200  does not physically contact the walls of test chamber  100 , and is position able by a user to the desired location in the test chamber. A delay transmission antenna  201  is likewise suspended in test chamber  100 , and electrically connected to delay line  700 . Receiving antenna  300  is suspended in test chamber  100  and is position able by a user to the desired location in the test chamber. In some embodiments, signal transmitting antenna  200  is disposed at a location within test chamber  100  opposite receiving antenna  300 . 
         [0049]    Stirrer  400  comprises a plurality of electromagnetically reflective blades  401  attached to motor  402  by a rotating armature. Stirrer  400  is suspended from the roof of test chamber  100 , at the center of the chamber ceiling. Reflective blades  401  are rotated by motor  402  under the control of a motor indexer and computer  600 . Rotation of reflective blades  401  mixes wave impedance within test chamber  100 . The fields generated in the test chamber  100  are thus homogeneous and isotropic, allowing test equipment to be placed anywhere in test chamber  100  and receive fields from all directions. 
         [0050]    A test and control GUI, Labview, loaded on computer  600  allows control of the rotation and position of reflective blades  401 . In some embodiments, motor  402  is a stepper motor. The blades can be rotated at a continuous speed from 0.1 to 2.0 Hz, for time-selective scanning, or positioned at specific angles for frequency-selective scanning. The precise angle of each blade is calculated from the relative position of the blades to a “Home” position. Each 7.2° step made by the motor generates a unique fading environment, which can be recreated by setting the blade to that specific angle. Alternatively, motor  402  is a DC motor to create higher-rate temporal variations. 
         [0051]    Signal detection device  500 , is a vector network analyzer, such as an Agilent MS2036ZA or Anritsu MS2036A VNA Master, in electrical contact with receiving antenna  300  and sweeps radio frequencies and provides S-parameters for the band of interest between 2.40-2.48 GHz. In certain embodiments, the VNA which sweeps the frequency and provides S 21  data for the band of interest between 2.40-2.48 or 5.00-5.08 GHz. In some embodiments, vector network analyzer  500  includes a frequency synthesizer or sweep oscillator frequency synthesizer for providing a test frequency source signal. The source signal from a sweep oscillator is amplified using a radio frequency power amplifier. In some embodiments, at least one fixed coaxial delay line  700  is used to emulate strong reflections off a distant object. Alternatively, delay line delay line  700  is constructed of fiber optic cable or other material adapted to not generate external electromagnetic waveforms, which include by non-limiting examples triaxial line, twin-axial line, biaxial line, semi-rigid line, and photonic crystal fiber line. The signal from a frequency synthesizer is split and sent to the signal transmission antenna and to delay line  700  and to delay transmission antenna  201 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, interference ports are provided to conduct susceptibility testing. The interference ports allow signals from interference source  800  to excite interference transmission antenna  202 , thereby generating at least one interference waveform within test chamber  100 . Communication lines between interference source  800  and interference transmission antenna  202  are adapted to not generate external electromagnetic waveforms, such as coaxial cables or fiber optic cables. 
         [0053]    The present device may include additional obstacles may be placed into test chamber  100  to alter the fading environment. For example, electromagnetically reflective panels  900  may be placed inside the test chamber to add signal reflections and increase signal travel time from the signal transmission antenna to the receiving antenna. Further, oscillating fan  901  may be placed in the test chamber to create high-rate temporal variations, like those seen in a rotocraft. 
         [0054]    In situations where the device is used to test equipment, the test device may replace signal transmission antenna  200 , for transmission testing of the test device, or replace receiving antenna  300  for signal receiving testing. The test device is placed at the center of test chamber  100 , at least three inches above the floor, and should also be electrically isolated from test chamber  100  during testing. In some embodiments, a field monitoring probe is placed close to the test device. The test equipment response is thus monitored by the field monitoring probe and communicated through cables which are routed through conventional access panels or a port within test chamber  100 . Communication cables are adapted to not generate external electromagnetic waveforms, such as coaxial cables or fiber optic cables. 
         [0055]    Data acquisition is controlled through a personal computer using a graphical user interface GUI, showing in  FIG. 3 . Data is collected in one of two scan modes, frequency-varying or time-varying, for which the user selects a frequency range or a specific frequency for testing, respectively. Sweeps are captured from the VNA and a cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the data and statistical computation are displayed on the GUI. 
         [0056]    In specific embodiments, the GUI remotely configures the scan attributes for the VNA (i.e., start/stop frequency). The GUI is also utilized to control the rotation and position of the rotating blade. The blade can be rotated continuously at speeds varying from 0.1 to 2.0 Hz for the time-selective scan, or positioned at specific angles for the frequency-selective scan. For accurate repeatability of the fading environments, the precise angle of the blade should be known. Therefore, all angle positions are created by a stepper motor, calibrated to a known “Home” position. Specific embodiments allow a 7.2° step, generating 50 unique fading environments. This same fading environment can be recreated whenever the blade is sent back to that specific angle. 
         [0057]    An “AutoScan” feature allows the system to capture and record VNA data for each position of the stepper motor. When complete, the user can view each fading scenario accomplished one at a time, or all at once. The program will appropriately position the stepper motor to recreate any of these scenarios, if selected. This eliminates the need to view each fading response one at a time while looking to create a specific environment. However, if anything is moved within the chamber (antenna or addition/subtraction of anechoic material) the accurate recreation of previous fading environments is unlikely. 
         [0058]    Table 1 presents the overall impact of anechoic foam on CRCE performance. The high multipath case, created through lack of foam, resulted in Rayleigh-like behavior with equal probability of Ricean and hyper-Rayleigh cases. The range, however, is limited as there are virtually no cases of benign or two-ray scenarios. When anechoic foam was included, multipath became limited and the majority of fading environments was Ricean. The probability of Rayleigh and hyper-Rayleigh decreased, but there are now more extreme fading profiles available. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Percentage of cases produced by CRCE 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 No anechoic foam 
                 .With anechoic foam 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Benign (&lt;5 dB fade) 
                 &lt;1% 
                  6% 
               
               
                 Ricean 
                 20% 
                 55% 
               
               
                 Rayleigh 
                 60% 
                 25% 
               
               
                 hyper-Rayleigh 
                 20% 
                 10% 
               
               
                 two-ray 
                 &lt;1% 
                  4% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Example 1 
     CRCE Fading Generation 
       [0059]    A device was created as described above using aluminum sheeting inner walls in the test chamber. A manually adjustable steel paddle was placed in the center. Antennas were mounted on platforms on opposite walls of the inner chamber. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the antennas were connected with a vector network analyzer (VNA) which swept a frequency range, providing S 21  data for the band of interest (2.40-2.48 or 5.00-5.08 GHz). Data was pulled from the VNA to a custom Labview graphic user interface (GUI) on the PC, where its CDF was calculated and displayed. The data captured from this design is shown in the  FIGS. 5(A)-7(B) . The device is useful in generating Rayleigh fading, seen in  FIGS. 6(A)  and (B), hyper-Rayleigh fading, seen in  FIGS. 7(A)  and (B), and Ricean characteristics, seen in  FIGS. 8(A)  and (B). Data is displayed as in-band (left) and CDF (right), and has been taken in the 2.4 GHz ISM, band. 
         [0060]    The data above displays the large range of fading environments accomplished through the positioning of the antennas and reflective blade, as well as the addition and subtraction of anechoic material. The chamber is able to create scenarios ranging from Ricean (K≈100) to beyond the two-ray model and maintain these scenarios until the environment is disturbed. The most severe fades were collected when reflective material was added as a sort of false floor, leading us to believe that the higher amplitude multipath waves resulting from a smaller chamber have a greater potential for creating harsh fading environments. 
       Example 2 
     Frequency-Selective Fading 
       [0061]    Graphical representations of waveforms, captured by the device utilizing frequency-selective settings. As seen in  FIG. 8(A) , the in-band data indicate variation across the 2.40-2.48 GHz ISM band is approximately 12 dB. Statistically, this fading response exhibits Ricean behavior as illustrated in the CDF plot, seen in  FIG. 8(B) . 
         [0062]    The statistical behavior of this data is highly varying depending on the position of TX antenna, and on the selected frequency.  FIG. 9  shows three fading profiles from the same scan, taken from the data generated in  FIGS. 5-7 , each representing a different frequency. The black line displays Ricean fading, the light gray Rayleigh, and the medium gray hyper-Rayleigh. The device generates an almost benign environment across the 2.4 GHz band, with an inband variation of only 5 dB, corresponding to a high-K Ricean fading distribution. An inband variation of 30 dB and statistical behavior resembling that of the Rayleigh model. The most severe fading data is represented by the medium gray line. Here the inband variation exceeds 40 dB across the ISM band, and the statistical behavior is not only hyper-Rayleigh but closely resembles that of the worst-case, two-ray model. 
         [0063]    The result shows repeating, discrete levels of amplitude, increased by 5 times (f=7.14 Hz). The CDF curves for both sets of data are equal and also show 7 steps. Adding more active antenna combinations further increases the number of amplitude levels and smoothness of the CDF curve. The frequency of time-varying changes may be increased to the limit of the analog output board. Output pulses are skew limited to 10 kHz. As mentioned earlier, however, the VNA is only sampling at fs=275 Hz. 
         [0064]    Utilizing the switching antennas in conjunction with the rotating blade creates an aperiodic time-varying environment shown to exhibit Rayleigh-like behavior. This result is similar to that of operating two asynchronous spinning devices, as with the metal oscillating fan and rotating blade. 
         [0065]    As a point of comparison, Rayleigh and two-ray theoretical models in each CDF analysis plot were analyzed. Note that for most mobile communication systems, Rayleigh is assumed to be the worst-case for analysis and that the two-ray model has been proposed as a worst-case for statically deployed sensors. The importance of understanding the fading characteristics of a channel is to better determine link margins and/or requisite transmission power. To conserve energy, minimizing the latter is desirable especially for energy constrained systems as wireless sensors. From comparing the two theoretical models, one notes that the probability of a 25 dB fade relative to the median received signal is ˜0.2% for Rayleigh channels and ˜2% for two-ray; an order of magnitude greater. 
         [0066]    Hyper-Rayleigh fading characteristics result in inband variation exceeding 40 dB across the same ISM band, seen in  FIG. 10(A) . Statistically deep fade probability is greater than what the Rayleigh model would predict but still less that the two-ray model, seen in  FIG. 10(B) . The device disclosed allows a user to create an environment in which frequency-selective fading as severe, or more severe, than Rayleigh models, and 5 is repeatable from one test to the next. As such, different communication strategies, such as diversity antennas or coding schemes, can be tested under the same harsh conditions. 
       Example 3 
     Time-Selective Fading 
       [0067]    Using a stepper motor, temporal variations are introduced in the test chamber environment with a periodic rate of 2.0 Hz. The addition of an oscillating metal fan allows for higher rate temporal effects. Operating both the stepper motor and the fan simultaneously results in an environment where the associated scattering becomes aperiodic. Time-selective fading is generated and data collected the under such test conditions, as seen in  FIG. 10 . This data illustrates fades of ˜20 dB over time, seen in  FIG. 10(A) . Statistically, this data exhibits Rayleigh-like fading, seen in  FIG. 10(B) . These results indicate an environment similar to a MSC. However, the similar fading results were generated in a physical design that is significantly smaller than a MSC. 
         [0068]    Thus, the device disclosed herein enables time-selective fading at repeatable low rates (&lt;2.0 Hz), periodic high-rates (˜25 Hz) and of aperiodic nature. 
       Example 4 
     Spatial-Selective Fading 
       [0069]    To generate spatial-dependent fading, frequency-sweep data was collected for 50 locations of the transmitting antenna around a 360° rotation. By selecting a specific frequency, the spatial-selective data (50 points) may be presented. The rotating reflective blade is replaced with an L-shaped blade, and the transmitting (or receiving) antenna is placed on the flat portion of the about 9″ away from the shaft. Using the AutoScan feature, the antenna is rotated to 50 locations around 360°, collecting frequency selective data for each, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Since the motor is stepping 7.2° at a time, each transmission location is ˜1.13″, or 0.229λ at 2.4 GHz, from the previous location. In one rotation, the maximum distance between two measurement points is ˜18″ (−1.5λ at 2.4 GHz). When the scan is complete, the GUI allows viewing a specific frequency in which for the spatially-varying fading. In addition to the choice of four separate transmitting locations, antennas may be activated simultaneously, creating multiple sources of specular waves. With four antennas, this allows 15 separate active modes of transmission, each of which has been shown to create its own unique environment. 15 modes times  50  stepper positions yields  750  separate fading scenarios. Three active antenna modes at the 50 stirrer locations (150 scenarios). In  FIG. 12 , shows the results of one such test, where antennas were placed on opposite sides of the blade (no LOS), and no anechoic material was added.  FIG. 13  shows the results for the same test, but with a 2′×2′ section of anechoic material added to the test chamber. For the first case, the chamber is very reflective, creating a large number of multipath waves; while for the second test multipath should be minimized.  FIG. 12(A)  shows that these environments are all unique in where and how deeply they fade, yet  FIG. 12(B)  displays that all exist within a narrow range of statistical variability. The fading results range from about Rician (K&lt;10 dB) to TWDP (K&lt;10 dB), with just a few outliers on either end. The case in which multipath is minimized using anechoic material yields results ranging from benign environments all the way up to the two-ray model.  FIG. 13(A)  shows smooth changes in in-band response over the frequency range for each position. In addition, each in-band response is very similar in shape, yet highly variable in fade depth. This behavior is likely the result of having just one or two prevalent waves, which fluctuate in amplitude along with the diffuse component.  FIG. 13(B)  confirms this. These results indicate that high levels of multipath yield mostly Rayleigh-like scenarios, while less multipath yields a large range of sloping curves. By switching through the active antennas modes, a controlled form of time-varying multipath is created.  FIG. 14  shows antennas cycling through the three combinations, switching modes every 100 ms giving a frequency of 1.43 cycles/s (f=1/(7×100 ms). 
         [0070]    This is a significant result because it emphasizes the non-uniformity of the CRCE. Over space or time, the chamber will produce a great range of results. In this, it truly differs from reverberation chambers, where results over time and space are statistically consistent. In addition, the spatial-varying fading results have revealed insight into signal changes over a very short distance. Altering the position of a transmitting or receiving antenna by less than ¼ λ may yield highly differing levels of fading. Wireless sensors placed in high multipath environments, such as aircraft, may thus be expected to exhibit such variable behavior based on slight changes of position, antenna orientation, or objects in the environment. 
       Example 5 
     Electrical Interference Testing 
       [0071]    Electrical interference testing was performed by adding electrical perturbation to mechanical perturbation to test an additional means of generating creating multipath events. Multiple transmitting antennas are used to vastly increase the total number and range of fading scenarios available to the user, thus decreasing the need to open the chamber and alter the environment. In addition, time-varying fading will be much better controlled, raising the repeatability of tests, and will increase obtainable cycle rates by two orders of magnitude (up to thousands of Hertz). The CRCE seen in  FIG. 15  uses an aluminum chamber with reflective blades, as described previously. The chamber also uses electrical switching arrays, as seen in  FIG. 15 . A 1:4 power splitter and four switching devices, controlled by the PC, directly activate and deactivate their respective transmitting antennas. The switching devices, seen in  FIGS. 16-21 , enable the computer to control interference transmissions, allowing rapidly changing interference within the device. 
       Example 6 
     Antenna Transmission Characterization 
       [0072]    Typical wireless sensor hardware (per IEEE 802.15.428) employs 3 MHz channels. The array tested is an electrically configurable element transmit array, described in Table 2, with a re-radiation link noise bandwidth of approximately 400 kHz. For high loss environments, scan time can be increased to enable time-averaging of the signal and improved SNR. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Transmission characteristics of electrically 
               
               
                 configurable element transmit array 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Parameter 
                 Units 
                 Value 
                 Comments 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Interrogation Link 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Transmitter Frequency 
                 GHz 
                 2.4 
                 Unlicensed ISM Baud 
               
               
                 Transmit Power 
                 Watts 
                 1 
                 Max per FCC 15.247 30   
               
               
                   
                 dBm 
                 30 
               
               
                 Transmit Antenna Gain 
                 dBi 
                 0 
                 No directivity assumed 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (worst-case) 
               
               
                 EIRP 
                 dBm 
                 30 
               
               
                 Minimum Received Power 
                 dBm 
                 −30 
                 Expected minimum 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 operating power (over 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 15 dB lower than 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 comparable approaches 5 ) 
               
               
                 Allowable Path Loss 
                 dB 
                 60 
                 &gt;30 dB greater than 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 existing reports 16   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Reradiation Link 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Minimum Received 
                 dBm 
                 −30 
                 From interrogation link 
               
               
                 Interrogation Power 
               
               
                 Conversion Loss 
                 dB 
                 30 
                 Based on prototype data 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 and antenna efficiencies 
               
               
                 Transmitter Frequency 
                 GHz 
                 4.8 
                 Doubling effect of RRS 
               
               
                 Transmit Power 
                 dBm 
                 −60 
               
               
                 Receive Antenna Gain 
                 dBi 
                 10 
                 Employing spatial and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 frequency diversity 
               
               
                 Minimum Received Power 
                 dBm 
                 −120 
                 20 dB lower than typical 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 wireless sensor hardware 
               
               
                 Allowable Path Loss 
                 dB 
                 60 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0073]    Based on component-level data, link loss for the interrogation and re-radiation links can be up to 60 dB each; far greater than what is allowable in competing, low-power technologies, such as RFID. 
         [0074]    The test array was placed within the test chamber of the disclosed device. Environment modeling characteristics of the disclosed device are summarized in Table 3. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Modeling capabilities of an embodiemtn of the 
               
               
                 device, used for wireless device testing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Time/Frequency Fading 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Capabilities 
                 Measurement Capabilities 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Fade free environment 
                 Frequency-selective fading 
               
               
                   
                 Ricean fading (K = 1, 
                 Time-selective fading 
               
               
                   
                 2, 3, 5 &amp; 10) 
                 Signal to Interference Ratio 
               
               
                   
                 Rayleigh fading 
                 Characterization of Time/Frequency 
               
               
                   
                 Hyper-Rayleigh fading 
                 fading 
               
               
                   
                 Two-ray fading 
                 Spatial/frequency diversity benefits 
               
               
                   
                 Selectable 10, 20, 30 
               
               
                   
                 and 40 dB fades 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0075]    For test of the proposed sensor node, the array was placed in the device and interrogated via an external source connected to a patch antenna within the chamber. The link characteristics between the interrogator and node antennas collected through vector network analyzer measurements conducted through couple paths. An automated test protocol was developed to sweep the interrogator signal source, note the performance of the node (e.g., conversion efficiency, robustness to multipath), capture the channel characteristics, and configure the next test scenario. 
         [0076]    In the preceding specification, all documents, acts, or information disclosed does not constitute an admission that the document, act, or information of any combination thereof was publicly available, known to the public, part of the general knowledge in the art, or was known to be relevant to solve any problem at the time of priority. 
         [0077]    While there has been described and illustrated specific embodiments of a wireless test device, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications are possible without deviating from the broad spirit and principle of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. Now that the invention has been described.