RADIO FREQUENCY SCANNER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOBILE NETWORK TESTING

The present disclosure relates to a RF scanner system for mobile network testing. The scanner system comprises a switched directional antenna assembly, an RF receiver, and a positioning antenna assembly. The assembly includes several directional antennas oriented in different directions. The directional antennas are connected to at least one switch that is controlled by the RF receiver. The assembly is configured to receive a GNSS signal. The RF receiver is configured to receive the GNSS signal from the assembly. The RF receiver is configured to record information of the switching state of the switch. The RF receiver is configured to gather information of the position and/or bearing. The RF receiver is configured to combine the information of the switching state, a baseband signal and the information of the position and/or bearing, thereby generating output metadata. Further, a method of mobile network testing is described.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a radio frequency (RF) scanner system for mobile network testing. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of mobile network testing by using a scanner system.

BACKGROUND

In the state of the art, scanner systems for mobile network testing are known that are inter alia used for interference hunting in order to identify a source of interfering signals in a network or for determining the performance of a mobile network. Hence, the network testing can be used in order to identify the coverage of a certain network by analyzing the radio frequency signals emitted from base stations in a certain area.

Typically, the scanner systems comprise at least one radio frequency measurement device that measures the respective radio frequency signals received, wherein these radio frequency signals received are processed and forwarded to a separate analyzing and/or evaluation device for analyzing or rather evaluation purposes. The separate analyzing and/or evaluation device may receive further data/information that is taken into account when analyzing the radio frequency signals received.

According to the industry-standard method used for mobile network scanning, omnidirectional antennas are used for receiving radio frequency signals to be analyzed from the entire environment in order to characterize the respective network. Omnidirectional antennas can be used for receiving signals in a frequency range associated with 5G FR1, namely signals in a frequency range that includes sub-6 GHz frequency bands in LTE. However, mobile network testing for millimeter waves, namely signals in a frequency range associated with 5G FR2, causes problems when using the industry-standard method. So far, the respective measurements for millimeter waves have to be done by a phased array, which however is an expensive solution since a dedicated control unit and phase shifters are required that also have an influence on the overall accuracy.

Accordingly, there is a need for a radio frequency scanner system as well as a method which ensure to perform mobile network testing in a cost-efficient and accurate manner, particularly of networks using frequency ranges associated with 5G FR2.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides examples of a radio frequency (RF) scanner system for mobile network testing. In an embodiment, the scanner system comprises a switched directional antenna assembly, a radio frequency receiver, and a positioning antenna assembly. The switched directional antenna assembly comprises several directional antennas oriented in different directions. The directional antennas of the switched directional antenna assembly are connected to at least one switch that is controlled by the radio frequency receiver. The positioning antenna assembly is configured to receive a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal. The radio frequency receiver is connected with the positioning antenna assembly, wherein the radio frequency receiver is configured to receive the GNSS signal from the positioning antenna assembly, which is indicative of the position and/or bearing. The radio frequency receiver is connected with the switched directional antenna assembly, wherein the radio frequency receiver is configured to receive an analog radio frequency signal from the switched directional antenna assembly, and wherein the radio frequency receiver is configured to process the analog radio frequency signal received, thereby converting the analog radio frequency signal to a baseband signal. The radio frequency receiver is configured to record information of the switching state of the switch. The radio frequency receiver is configured to gather information of the position and/or bearing. The radio frequency receiver is further configured to combine the information of the switching state, the baseband signal and the information of the position and/or bearing, thereby generating output metadata.

The main idea is that a switched directional antenna assembly with several directional antennas can be used in order to achieve a wide bandwidth scanning in a cost-efficient way while simultaneously having a small form factor. The switched directional antenna assembly and the positioning antenna assembly both are connected to the radio frequency receiver that is configured to process the respective data obtained from the respective antenna assemblies, for example in real time and simultaneously. Therefore, a clear correlation between the information obtained from both antenna assemblies can be ensured.

Moreover, the radio frequency receiver also obtains information concerning the switching state of the switch that is indicative of the respective directional antenna(s) of the several directional antennas of the switched directional antenna assembly being used for mobile network testing. In other words, information is gathered which of the several directional antennas has been switched or rather turned on when performing the respective measurement by the switched directional antenna assembly. In some embodiments, only a single or a defined number of antennas of the switched directional antenna assembly, namely a subset of all directional antennas, may be turned/switched on simultaneously, thereby contributing to the analog radio frequency signal that is forwarded to the radio frequency receiver for further processing.

The analog radio frequency signal is based on the individual signal(s) received at each of the directional antenna(s) of the switched directional antenna assembly, which is/are turned on during the respective measurement. In other words, the respective individual directional antenna(s) turned on contribute(s) to the analog radio frequency signal that is forwarded to the radio frequency receiver.

The switched directional antenna assembly may comprise N directional antennas, wherein N is any positive natural number, e.g. an even or uneven number.

Generally, each directional antenna of the switched directional antenna assembly is oriented in a different direction with respect to the other directional antennas. Hence, each of the directional antennas is orientated differently with respect to the other directional antennas. Put differently, N directional antennas may be provided that are oriented in N different directions.

Therefore, the beam width of the switched directional antenna assembly may be adapted depending on the number of directional antennas used simultaneously during a respective measurement, as they are oriented in different directions.

Accordingly, an antenna array with several non-directional antennas can be avoided. Consequently, phase shifters necessary when using such antenna arrays can be avoided as well, thereby reducing the costs. In addition, it is ensured that a bandwidth limitation does not occur, which is typically introduced by the phase shifters. Moreover, attenuation effects introduced by the phase shifters are also avoided, thereby improving the accuracy of the radio frequency scanner system.

In some embodiments, the radio frequency receiver has a first interface for the positioning antenna assembly and a second interface for the switched directional antenna assembly. Hence, the respective antenna assemblies are connected with the radio frequency receiver via the respective interfaces. For instance, the radio frequency receiver has dedicated connection ports that are used to connect the antenna assemblies, respectively.

In general, the radio frequency receiver receives the different information/data from the antenna assemblies connected, namely the analog radio frequency signal and the GNSS signal.

The analog radio frequency signal comprises information used for characterizing the mobile network, for example determining the respective performance, since the analog radio frequency signal is indicative of the characteristics of the mobile network.

Generally, the GNSS signal comprises information indicative of the position of the positioning antenna assembly receiving the GNSS signal, for example the scanner system that comprises several different components in defined geometrical relationship(s) such as the positioning antenna assembly.

In some embodiments, the GNSS signal may include information concerning latitude and/or longitude.

Moreover, the GNSS signal may also comprise a timing information such as a time stamp. Accordingly, the GNSS signal comprises information concerning latitude, longitude and/or time, e.g. timing information according to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

In addition, the GNSS signal may also comprise information concerning the bearing/orientation, for example the bearing/orientation of the positioning antenna assembly that receives the GNSS signal. Put differently, the bearing/orientation of the positioning antenna assembly can be determined based on GNSS signal received by the positioning antenna assembly.

Based on this information, the respective bearing/orientation of the switched directional antenna assembly, for example the respective bearing/orientation of each individual directional antenna, can be determined, e.g. by taking geometrical relationships and/or mechanical connections of the respective antenna assemblies with respect to each other into account.

Generally, the bearing/orientation can be determined for each component of the radio frequency scanner system, as the respective geometrical relationships and/or mechanical connections of these components are known.

In some embodiments, the geometrical relationships and/or mechanical connections of the respective antenna assemblies, namely the positioning antenna assembly and the switched directional antenna assembly, are known such that the bearing/orientation of each individual directional antenna can be determined based on the information received by the GNSS signal.

Accordingly, the scanner system, for example the radio frequency receiver, is configured to determine the position and/or bearing of the switched directional antenna assembly, for example the position and/or bearing of each individual directional antenna of the switched directional antenna assembly, by processing the GNSS signal received.

Hence, the GNSS signal is also indicative of the position and/or bearing of each individual directional antenna of the switched directional antenna assembly.

The different kinds of data/information obtained from the positioning antenna assembly is forwarded to the radio frequency receiver.

Since the radio frequency receiver is configured to control the respective switch that is associated with the switched directional antenna assembly for switching on/off the individual directional antennas of the switched directional antenna assembly, the radio frequency receiver also has information concerning the respective switching state of the switch. This information corresponds to information concerning the respective individual directional antenna(s) used during the respective measurement. Thus, the radio frequency receiver is enabled to determine which of the individual directional antenna(s) of the switched directional antenna assembly contributes to the analog radio frequency signal that is received from the switched directional antenna assembly.

Hence, the different kind of information can be combined by the radio frequency receiver in order to process the data/information obtained from the switched directional antenna assembly in an accurate manner.

The radio frequency receiver while obtaining the respective information/data is enabled to combine the respective information/data, namely the information of the switching state, the baseband signal obtained when processing the analog radio frequency signal, and the information of the position and/or bearing, thereby generating combined data that can be used for further processing. The respective combined data relates to metadata, namely output metadata since the respective metadata is outputted.

In some embodiments, the respective information/data obtained from different sources can be processed easily by a subsequent processing module that is connected with the radio frequency receiver. For instance, a standardized data format is outputted by the radio frequency receiver, wherein this data format ensures that the respective information/data is encompassed.

The GNSS data is used to know the position of the position antenna assembly, e.g. the scanner system or rather the individual components of the scanner system like the switched directional antenna assembly, when performing the mobile network testing, wherein this information together with the knowledge of the directional antenna(s) switched on ensures that it can be determined in which direction the scanner system, for example the switched directional antenna assembly, is pointing, namely the direction of the active directional antenna(s).

The overall measurement time can be reduced since the number of measurements can be reduced compared to the prior art solutions. Moreover, additional information, namely the direction of arrival of the radio frequency signals, is obtained when combining the information/data received accordingly.

In general, the bearing corresponds to information of at least one angle, namely azimuth and/or elevation. It is known that the bearing can be determined in different ways, e.g. by a pseudo-Doppler technique, Watson-Watt technique or correlative interferometer.

Moreover, a directional antenna, also called beam antenna, is an antenna which radiates or receives greater power in specific directions allowing increased performance and reduced interference from unwanted sources. In some embodiments, the directional antennas provide increased performance over dipole antennas—or omnidirectional antennas in general—when greater concentration of radiation in a certain direction is desired. Since the switched directional antenna assembly comprises several directional antennas oriented in different directions, increased performance is ensured, but omnidirectional scanning is enabled, e.g. at least in a subsequent manner.

An aspect provides that the baseband signal is, for example, a digital baseband signal and/or comprises in-phase and quadrature components (I/Q components). Thus, the radio frequency receiver that processes the analog radio frequency signal is configured to digitize the respective signal in order to obtain the digital baseband signal. Specifically, the radio frequency receiver may be configured to process the respective signal such that I/Q components are obtained that are indicative of the analog radio frequency signal.

Hence, the radio frequency receiver may generate the output metadata that encompasses I/Q data indicative of the analog radio frequency signal as well as control data indicative of the switching state of the switch, namely which of the several individual directional antenna(s) was/were turned on during the measurement, and position and/or bearing data.

Another aspect provides that the directional antennas are, for example, of the type Vivaldi. The Vivaldi antennas are also called tapered slot antennas (TSA). Generally, this type of antenna relates to a co-planar broadband antenna that can be established in a very compact manner. In addition, Vivaldi antennas can be manufactured in a cost-efficient way, wherein Vivaldi antennas have broadband characteristics.

Further, one to all of the directional antennas of the switched directional antenna assembly is/are switched on selectively during a single measurement stage such that the analog radio frequency signal is indicative of the signals received by the directional antenna(s) switched on during the single measurement stage. By using more than one directional antenna simultaneously, the beam width of the switched directional antenna assembly can be broadened, thereby adapting the receiving characteristics accordingly. Usually, only one directional antenna is active at the same time. However, several directional antennas may be switched on in a complex use case in order to obtain a broader beam. Further, all directional antennas may be switched on in a certain use case such that an omnidirectional scan can be performed if desired.

Further, the respective directional antennas in their OFF state, namely the directional antennas that are not switched/turned on, may forward a signal to the radio frequency receiver, which indicates that no contribution to the analog radio frequency signal is provided by them. In other words, the respective directional antennas switched off/turned off acknowledge the respective state to the radio frequency receiver accordingly. Thus, a fallback procedure is provided or redundancy can be ensured, which may be necessary in case that controlling the switch is not done in the intended manner Hence, the radio frequency receiver nevertheless obtains the information of the active directional antennas during the respective measurement stage.

The switched directional antenna assembly may be configured to be used as an omnidirectional antenna assembly. The switched directional antenna assembly can be used or rather operated as the omnidirectional antenna assembly in case that all of the directional antennas are oriented such that they provide omnidirectional characteristics and, further, all of these directional antennas are switched on simultaneously.

In addition, the scanner system may comprise a local oscillator that is configured to provide a clock signal used for controlling the switch. It can be ensured that each of the individual directional antennas is switched on in a subsequent and defined manner based on the clock signal provided by the local oscillator. In some embodiments, each of the individual directional antennas is operated or rather switched on for a predetermined time that is equal for all of the individual directional antennas due to the clock signal.

Further, the scanner system may comprise a storage medium. The storage medium may be associated with the radio frequency receiver such that the output metadata can be stored in the storage medium. The storage medium may be an internal storage medium, e.g. integrated in the radio frequency receiver, or rather an external storage medium, namely a separately formed storage medium. The storage medium may include any currently known or future developed computer readable storage medium.

In some embodiments, the output metadata provided by the radio frequency receiver is stored in the storage medium.

Moreover, the scanner system may comprise a down-converter. The down-converter may be a radio frequency down-converter that is used to down-convert the analog radio frequency signal, for example prior to digitizing the analog radio frequency signal. The down-converter may be nitrated in the radio frequency receiver or rather separately formed, for instance interconnected between the switched directional antenna assembly and the radio frequency receiver.

Another aspect provides that the scanner system comprises, for example, a magnetometer sensor that is configured to determine its orientation, thereby providing information of the bearing. Generally, the magnetometer sensor is configured to measure a magnetic field, a magnetic dipole moment, a direction, a strength, and/or a relative change of a magnetic field. The respective information sensed is used to determine the orientation of the magnetometer sensor itself, which in turn can be used to determine the orientation/bearing of any other component of the scanner system.

Again, the orientation/bearing of any other component of the scanner system can be determined due to the knowledge of the geometrical relationships of the respective component with respect to the magnetometer sensor.

Accordingly, it is sufficient that the positioning antenna assembly only provides information concerning the position, as the information concerning the bearing/orientation is obtained otherwise, namely by the magnetometer sensor. Accordingly, the positioning antenna assembly may be established in a less complex manner in case that the positioning antenna assembly only provides information concerning the position of the scanner system. Therefore, the costs of the radio frequency scanner system can be reduced further.

Thus, the scanner system, for example the radio frequency receiver, may be configured to determine the position of the switched directional antenna assembly, for example the position of each individual directional antenna of the switched directional antenna assembly, by processing the GNSS signal received. Hence, the GNSS signal is also indicative of the position of each individual directional antenna of the switched directional antenna assembly.

In addition, the scanner system, for example the radio frequency receiver, may be configured to determine the bearing/orientation of the switched directional antenna assembly, for example the bearing/orientation of each individual directional antenna of the switched directional antenna assembly, by processing the GNSS signal received or the information gathered from the magnetometer sensor. Hence, the GNSS signal or rather the sensor signal of the magnetometer sensor is also indicative of the bearing/orientation of each individual directional antenna of the switched directional antenna assembly.

In general, the radio frequency receiver may comprise a radio frequency chain. The radio frequency chain comprises components that are used for processing the analog radio frequency signal received from the switched directional antenna assembly. In some embodiments, the radio frequency chain comprises at least one amplifier, at least one filter and/or at least one analog-to-digital converter. The respective components are used for processing the analog radio frequency signal appropriately, thereby converting the analog radio frequency signal into the baseband signal, for example the I/Q components.

Moreover, the radio frequency receiver comprises a data processing circuit. The data processing circuit is used for processing data/information obtained. In some embodiments, the data-processing circuit is implemented by or includes, among other components, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphical processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The data processing circuit may generally process the data/information received from the different antenna assemblies, e.g. for providing the broadband signal, namely the I/Q components. In addition, the data processing circuit may be configured to generate the output metadata by processing the respective data/information obtained in an appropriate manner.

According to a further aspect, the scanner system is, for example, a movable scanner system that comprises a movable platform to which the switched directional antenna assembly, the radio frequency receiver and the positioning antenna assembly are connected such that mobile network testing can be performed while moving. In some embodiments, the movable platform may relate to a vehicle or a backpack such that the entire radio frequency scanner system can be moved during operation in order to perform the mobile network testing. In some embodiments, the mobile network testing can be done in the field.

Further, the scanner system may comprise a handheld device that comprises the switched directional antenna assembly and/or the positioning antenna assembly. The handheld device may be used by an operator, e.g. for interference hunting. The radio frequency receiver may be integrated in the handheld device as well. Alternatively, the radio frequency receiver is put into a bag that is carried by the operator during mobile network testing.

According to another aspect, the scanner system comprises, for example, a processing equipment that is configured to receive the output metadata generated for further processing. In some embodiments, the processing equipment is configured to perform a baseband processing and/or analysis. The processing equipment may be a separate component(s) that is connected to the radio frequency receiver, wherein the processing equipment is configured to extract data/information contained in the output metadata for further processing. Hence, the baseband signal encompassed in the output metadata may be processed/analyzed on its own or in combination with the other data/information contained in the output metadata.

Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a method of mobile network testing by using the scanner system described above. In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of:

Receiving a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal by the positioning antenna assembly.

Receiving a (analog) radio frequency signal by the switched directional antenna assembly,

Forwarding the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal to the radio frequency receiver,

Forwarding the (analog) radio frequency signal to the radio frequency receiver,

Processing the (analog) radio frequency signal by the radio frequency receiver, thereby converting the (analog) radio frequency signal to a baseband signal,

Recording information of a switching state of the switch by the radio frequency receiver,

Gathering information of the position and/or bearing by the radio frequency receiver, and

Combining the information of the switching state, the baseband signal and the information of the position and/or bearing by the radio frequency receiver, thereby generating output metadata.

Concerning further aspects and advantages, reference is made to the explanations given above that also apply to the method in a corresponding manner.

In summary, the switched directional antenna assembly of directional, for example Vivaldi-type, antennas is used to achieve wide bandwidth. The switched directional antenna assembly comprises the N directional antennas facing N directions, wherein each of the N directional antennas can be turned ON via the switch. The switch is controlled by the radio frequency receiver appropriately.

The radio frequency receiver simultaneously records the GNSS signal with positioning and/or bearing information, information regarding which directional antenna is ON, and the I/Q baseband data associated with the switched directional antenna(s).

All the information simultaneously obtained is combined by the radio frequency receiver, wherein the output metadata is generated. This metadata is passed to the separate processing equipment, for instance a laptop, tablet, PC, etc.), for further processing, e.g. baseband processing.

Due to the simultaneous processing, real-time processing is ensured. However, the combined information, namely the output metadata, may also be stored in the storage medium such that the further processing can be done subsequently.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result. Moreover, some of the method steps can be carried serially or in parallel, or in any order unless specifically expressed or understood in the context of other method steps.

InFIG.1, a radio frequency scanner system10is shown that is used for mobile network testing, e.g. testing a mobile network provided by a base station12, also called transmitting base station. Generally, the radio frequency scanner system10may be used to determine the performance of the mobile network or for interference hunting, namely identifying any source of interfering signals.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the radio frequency scanner system10comprises a switched directional antenna assembly14having several directional antennas16, for example antennas16of the type of Vivaldi, namely Vivaldi antennas, which are also called tapered slot antennas (TSA).

The several directional antennas16of the switched directional antenna assembly14are oriented in different directions. In some embodiments, all of the respective directional antennas16are oriented in a certain direction that is different from the one of another antenna16of the switched directional antenna assembly14, thereby ensuring that each of the several directional antennas16is oriented towards a dedicated direction.

The radio frequency scanner system10may also comprise a positioning antenna assembly18that may also comprise several positioning antennas20. In general, the positioning antenna assembly18is configured to receive a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal, for instance a GPS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS or similar positioning signal. The respective GNSS signal may be emitted by a satellite22as indicated inFIG.1.

The radio frequency scanner system10may further comprise a radio frequency receiver24that has a first interface26to which the switched directional antenna assembly14is connected as well as a second interface28to which the positioning antenna assembly18is connected. Accordingly, both antenna assemblies14,18are connected with the radio frequency receiver24that receives the respective signals from the antenna assemblies14,18accordingly.

The radio frequency receiver24receives the GNSS signal from the positioning antenna assembly18via the second interface28, wherein the respective GNSS signal is indicative of the position and/or bearing/orientation, for example the position and/or bearing/orientation of the positioning antenna assembly18. However, the relative orientation of the positioning antenna assembly18with respect to the other components of the scanner system10, for example the switched directional antenna assembly14, e.g. each individual directional antenna16, is known or rather predefined due to mechanical and/or geometrical relationships such that the radio frequency receiver24is enabled to determine the position and/or bearing of the other components of the scanner system10accordingly, for example the one of the switched directional antenna assembly14, preferably of each individual directional antenna16.

Since the radio frequency receiver24is also connected with the switched directional antenna assembly14, the radio frequency receiver24also receives an analog radio frequency signal from the switched directional antenna assembly14that corresponds to the base station signal emitted by the transmitting base station12that has been received by at least one of the several directional antennas16of the switched directional antenna assembly14.

The respective analog radio frequency signal received is internally processed by the radio frequency receiver24wherein the analog radio frequency signal is converted to a baseband signal for further processing.

InFIG.2, an overview is provided that illustrates the respective data/information exchange between the components of the scanner system10, for example the antenna assemblies18,14and the radio frequency receiver24.

Thus, the radio frequency receiver24generally comprises a radio frequency chain30that has several components for processing the analog radio frequency signal. The respective components32may relate to a down-converter, an amplifier, a filter and/or an analog-to-digital converter. Generally, a down-converter may also be provided at the output of the radio frequency receiver24.

The radio frequency receiver24is enabled to convert the analog radio frequency signal received from the switched directional antenna assembly14into a digital baseband signal, for example I/Q components, by processing the analog radio frequency signal by the components32of the radio frequency chain30.

In some embodiments, the radio frequency scanner system10comprises at least one switch34that is controlled by the radio frequency receiver24. The switch34may be integrated in the switched directional antenna assembly14as shown inFIG.1, wherein the switch34has different switching states that define a certain subset of the several directional antennas16to be switched on wherein the other directional antennas16are switched off.

Generally, the different switching states may comprise states in which only one individual directional antenna16of the several directional antennas16of the switched directional antenna assembly14is switched on, whereas all other directional antennas16are switched off. However, further switching states may also comprise that more than one of the several directional antennas16are switched on simultaneously, thereby enlarging the beam width of the switched directional antenna assembly14used for receiving the base station signal.

In a certain embodiment, all of the several directional antennas16may be switched on simultaneously, thereby ensuring that the switched directional antenna assembly14is operated as an omnidirectional antenna.

The respective switch34is controlled by the radio frequency receiver24as also shown inFIG.2since the radio frequency receiver24forwards a respective control signal to the switch34.

The radio frequency scanner system10may comprise a local oscillator35that provides a local oscillator signal used as a clock signal for controlling the switch34appropriately. The local oscillator35may be integrated in the radio frequency receiver24. In other words, the clock signal is used for switching the respective directional antennas16in a defined manner.

The radio frequency receiver24receives the respective information/data from the antenna assemblies14,18, namely the GNSS signal or rather information related thereto as well as the analog radio frequency signal associated with the base station signal of the transmitting base station12. In addition, the radio frequency receiver24also has the information concerning the respective switching state of the switch34and, therefore, the respective directional antennas16of the switched directional antenna assembly14. Accordingly, the respective information concerning the switching state relates to control data provided by the radio frequency receiver24as indicated inFIG.2.

In other words, the radio frequency receiver24has information concerning the position and bearing/orientation, the control data, namely the switching state, as well as the baseband, e.g. I/Q data. The radio frequency receiver24processes the different information/data obtained, for example by a data processing circuit36, wherein the data/information is combined, and thereby generating output metadata as indicated inFIG.2.

In some embodiments, the data processing circuit36can be implemented by or include, among other components, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphical processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Any one of these processor structures in configured (e.g., programmed) to carry out the functionality set forth herein.

The output metadata generated may be forwarded via an output interface to a separately formed processing equipment38, for instance a computer or laptop. The processing equipment38is configured to receive the output metadata generated for further processing, wherein the processing equipment38may perform a baseband processing, namely a digital signal processing, or an analysis of the respective information/data contained in the output metadata.

In some embodiments, the separately formed processing equipment38may process the individual data/information contained in the output metadata separately or in a combined manner in order to gather further deeper insights of the combined data/information.

As also shown inFIG.2, the respective control data may provide information concerning the respective orientation/bearing of the respective directional antenna16switched on, e.g. Ant1or Ant2, during the respective measurement, thereby providing a deeper insight which improves the performance characterization of the network to be tested, as information is obtained in which direction the scanner system10is pointing, for example the switched directional antenna assembly14.

The scanner system10, for example the radio frequency receiver24, may also comprise a storage medium40that can be used to store data/information received, for instance the output metadata generated by combining the different information/data or rather data/information gathered.

In the shown embodiment, the storage medium40is connected with the data processing circuit36that receives and processes all information/data gathered by the radio frequency receiver24.

In a certain embodiment, the scanner system10may have a magnetometer sensor42(illustrated in dashed lines inFIG.1) that is configured to determine its orientation, thereby providing information of the bearing of the magnetometer sensor42. The magnetometer sensor42may be associated with the switched directional antenna assembly14such that information concerning the orientation of the switched directional antenna assembly14, for example each individual directional antenna16, is provided by the magnetometer sensor42.

However, the magnetometer sensor42may also be connected to the positioning antenna assembly18or rather any other component of the scanner system10, as the relative orientations and/or connections between the individual components of the radio frequency scanner system10are known, thereby allowing to determine the relative orientation of each component of the radio frequency scanner system10accordingly.

Since the information concerning the bearing/orientation can be determined by the separately formed magnetometer sensor42, it is not necessary to obtain the respective kind of information from the GNSS signal that is received by the positioning antenna assembly18. In other words, the GNSS signal is only processed to obtain the position data, e.g. latitude, longitude and/or timing information such as UTC time.

InFIG.3A, a certain embodiment of the radio frequency scanner system10is shown, as the scanner system10comprises a handheld device44that can be carried by an operator of the radio frequency scanner system10, for example for interference hunting.

In the handheld device44, at least one of the antenna assemblies14,18, for example the switched directional antenna assembly14with the several directional antennas16is integrated. However, the handheld device44may also comprise the positioning antenna assembly18with the antennas20.

In a certain embodiment, the handheld device44may also comprise the radio frequency receiver24. Alternatively the radio frequency receiver24is provided separately, wherein the handheld device44is connected with the respective interfaces26,28of the radio frequency receiver24. The radio frequency receiver24may be carried by the operator, for instance in a backpack.

Accordingly, the entire radio frequency scanner system10may be a movable scanner system10, as the handheld device44corresponds to a movable platform46. Therefore, mobile network testing can be performed while moving, for instance walking in a field.

InFIG.3B, an alternative embodiment of the scanner system10is shown, as the scanner system10comprises a motorized movable platform46like a vehicle.

As shown inFIG.3B, the switched directional antenna assembly14, the radio frequency receiver24and the positioning antenna assembly18all are mounted on the motorized movable platform46such that mobile network testing can be performed while moving in the field, for example driving.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein utilize circuitry (e.g., one or more circuits) in order to implement protocols, methodologies or technologies disclosed herein, operably couple two or more components, generate information, process information, analyze information, generate signals, encode/decode signals, convert signals, transmit and/or receive signals, control other devices, etc. Circuitry of any type can be used. It will be appreciated that the term “information” can be use synonymously with the term “signals” in this paragraph. It will be further appreciated that the terms “circuitry,” “circuit,” “one or more circuits,” etc., can be used synonymously herein.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes hardware circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry, implementations in digital circuitry, and the like, and combinations thereof). In an embodiment, circuitry includes combinations of circuits and computer program products having software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause a device to perform one or more protocols, methodologies or technologies described herein. In an embodiment, circuitry includes circuits, such as, for example, microprocessors or portions of microprocessor, that require software, firmware, and the like for operation. In an embodiment, circuitry includes an implementation comprising one or more processors or portions thereof and accompanying software, firmware, hardware, and the like.

In some embodiments, the functionality described herein can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems or circuits, etc., or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Throughout this specification, terms of art may be used. These terms are to take on their ordinary meaning in the art from which they come, unless specifically defined herein or the context of their use would clearly suggest otherwise.