4G-LTE base station output power estimation from statistical counters during over-the-air tests in reverberation chamber

The downlink transmission power of a 4G-LTE base station is quantified by means of statistical counters. They are build up analyzing the physical resource blocks allocated during transmission at different data throughputs. The analysis is performed during complete over the air tests carried out inside a reverberation chamber. The reverberation chamber allows to vary dynamic fading conditions by changing the stirrer rotating speed and the quality factor. Results are compared to direct antenna input power measurements obtained by a spectrum analyzer, in order to identify the better way to combine statistical counters. The analysis confirms the possibility to use this counters to monitor continuously the transmitted power over long time periods.