A real-time online calibration system and method for a vector antenna tuner

Abstract

This invention discloses a real-time online calibration system and method for a vector antenna tuner. The system includes a debugging terminal communicatively connected to the vector antenna tuner. The vector antenna tuner is equipped with a detection device, which includes a temperature sensor module, a DDS control module, a DDS measurement module, a switching module, and an OSL calibration module, all communicatively connected in sequence. In the method, the debugging terminal sends a calibration command to the DDS control module, or the temperature sensor module detects low-temperature environment information and sends it to the DDS control module. The DDS control module automatically triggers the calibration command, controls the switching module to switch states, and simultaneously controls the OSL calibration module to perform calibration in the corresponding state. This achieves real-time online automatic calibration of the antenna tuner, eliminating the need to repeatedly open and close the device and plug and unplug calibration components. It solves the problem of inaccurate impedance measurement caused by deviations in the original room-temperature calibration data due to component parameter drift in low-temperature environments, thus improving reliability and saving manpower and resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of shortwave communication equipment, specifically relating to a real-time online calibration system and method for a vector antenna tuner, applicable to impedance matching systems of shortwave transceivers and shortwave antennas using vector antenna tuners. Background Technology

[0002] Antenna tuners are used for impedance matching between shortwave transceivers and shortwave antennas to maximize the power transmission from the shortwave transceiver to the antenna. Common tuning techniques for antenna tuners include scalar tuning and vector tuning. Scalar tuning uses a step-by-step approximation method to tune the tuning network, resulting in long tuning times and poor tuning accuracy. Vector tuning, based on precise vector impedance measurement, offers significant advantages such as short tuning times and high tuning accuracy, and has gradually become the mainstream technology, widely used in various antenna tuner products.

[0003] Low-power vector tuning technology is a type of vector tuning technology. It utilizes its own generated low-power signal as a measurement signal and, through an impedance detection module, can accurately measure the antenna impedance. It features high concealment. However, impedance detection relies on a precise OSL (open short load) calibration system. OSL calibration must be performed beforehand during the debugging phase, and the calibration data must be stored and retrieved during measurement to achieve accurate impedance detection. Existing vector antenna tuner calibration systems include a debugging computer, a vector antenna tuner, and an OSL calibration component. (See the wiring diagram below.) Figure 1 The specific steps of the existing OSL calibration method are detailed below. Figure 2 :

[0004] 1) Pre-fabricate OSL calibration kits (open circuit, short circuit, 50Ω load);

[0005] 2) Disassemble the antenna tuner;

[0006] 3) Disconnect the calibration cable and install the open-circuit calibration piece;

[0007] 4) Open the calibration software on your PC and enter the open-circuit calibration command;

[0008] 5) Perform short-circuit and 50Ω load calibrations manually in sequence;

[0009] 6) Finally, perform OSL calibration verification. If the verification passes, the calibration is complete.

[0010] This manual calibration method, typically performed in a laboratory at room temperature during the product debugging phase, involves opening the antenna tuner cover and using calibration kits to complete the calibration. This method is cumbersome and complex. Repeated insertion and removal of the calibration kits can damage the connectors, reducing the reliability of the antenna tuner. Furthermore, in low-temperature environments (typically -45°C), component parameter drift can cause significant errors in calibration data obtained at room temperature, leading to inaccurate impedance measurements. Additionally, when the detection circuit malfunctions, repairing or replacing the core components of the detection module requires recalibrating the antenna tuner, necessitating the repetition of the manual calibration steps. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address the problems in the prior art, this invention provides a real-time online calibration system and method for vector antenna tuners, which can realize real-time online automatic calibration of antenna tuners. This eliminates the tedious process of repeatedly opening the machine and plugging and unplugging calibration components, and solves the problem of inaccurate impedance measurement caused by component parameter drift in low-temperature environments and deviations in calibration data at room temperature. This further improves product reliability and saves manpower and resources.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a real-time online calibration system for a vector antenna tuner, comprising a debugging terminal communicatively connected to the vector antenna tuner. The vector antenna tuner is equipped with a detection device, which includes a temperature sensor module, a DDS control module, a DDS measurement module, a switching module, and an OSL calibration module, all communicatively connected in sequence. The debugging terminal is communicatively connected to the DDS control module, and is used to send calibration commands to the DDS control module and obtain feedback information from the DDS control module. The temperature sensor module is used to collect low-temperature change information and send it to the DDS control module. The DDS control module is used to receive the calibration commands sent by the debugging terminal and the temperature change information sent by the temperature sensor module, and controls the switching module to switch states while simultaneously controlling the OSL calibration module to perform calibration in the corresponding state.

[0013] Furthermore, the switching module has an open circuit state, a short circuit state, and a 50Ω load state, and the OSL calibration module correspondingly has open circuit calibration, short circuit calibration, and 50Ω load calibration.

[0014] Furthermore, the switching module uses a relay with an isolation of 30–50 dB.

[0015] Furthermore, the low-temperature change information of the temperature sensor module includes information on changes from room temperature to low temperature and information on changes from low temperature back to room temperature. The lower limit of low temperature is set to -45℃, and the room temperature is set to 25℃.

[0016] Furthermore, the temperature sensor module employs a type of temperature relay.

[0017] This invention also provides a method for a real-time online calibration system for a vector antenna tuner based on the above-described method, comprising: a debugging terminal sending a calibration command to a DDS control module; upon receiving the calibration command from the debugging terminal, the DDS control module controlling the switching module to switch states and simultaneously controlling the OSL calibration module to perform calibration in the corresponding state; after completing calibration, the OSL calibration module feeding back calibration data to the DDS control module; the DDS control module verifying the calibration data; if the verification is successful, sending a calibration success command to the debugging terminal to complete the calibration; if the verification fails, sending a calibration failure command to the debugging terminal and prompting for a system check.

[0018] Furthermore, the DDS control module controls the switching module to switch between open circuit state, short circuit state and 50Ω load state respectively, and simultaneously controls the OSL calibration module to perform open circuit calibration, short circuit calibration and 50Ω load calibration accordingly.

[0019] This invention also provides another method for a real-time online calibration system for a vector antenna tuner based on the above-mentioned method, comprising: a temperature sensor module detecting low-temperature environment information and sending it to a DDS control module; the DDS control module automatically triggering a calibration command; the DDS control module controlling a switching module to switch states and simultaneously controlling an OSL calibration module to perform calibration in the corresponding state; the OSL calibration module feeding back calibration data to the DDS control module after completing calibration; the DDS control module verifying the calibration data; if the verification is successful, sending a calibration success command to the debugging terminal to complete the calibration; if the verification is successful, the vector antenna tuner saving a calibration success flag; if the verification is unsuccessful, the vector antenna tuner saving a calibration failure flag.

[0020] Furthermore, the temperature change information detected by the temperature sensor module includes information on changes from room temperature to low temperature and information on changes from low temperature back to room temperature. The lower limit of low temperature is set to -45℃, and the room temperature is set to 25℃.

[0021] Furthermore, the DDS control module controls the switching module to switch between open circuit state, short circuit state and 50Ω load state respectively, and simultaneously controls the OSL calibration module to perform open circuit calibration, short circuit calibration and 50Ω load calibration accordingly.

[0022] Compared to existing technologies, the system of this invention incorporates a temperature sensor module, a DDS control module, a DDS measurement module, a switching module, and an OSL calibration module in the detection device. It utilizes an automated calibration control software on a debugging terminal to interactively control the detection device. The debugging terminal sends calibration commands, or the temperature sensor module detects temperature changes and feeds them back to the DDS control module to automatically trigger calibration commands. The DDS control module controls the switching module to switch states and simultaneously controls the OSL calibration module to perform calibration in the corresponding state. After the OSL calibration module completes automatic calibration and passes verification, it returns a calibration completion command to the debugging computer. The entire calibration process can be completed online in real time, without disassembling the antenna tuner or requiring external calibration components. Furthermore, in low-temperature environments, the temperature sensor module can automatically trigger calibration commands to complete OSL calibration, ensuring the accuracy of antenna tuner impedance measurements in low-temperature conditions. The system and method of this invention achieve real-time online automatic calibration of the antenna tuner by adding a small number of components to the antenna tuner's detection device and utilizing the automatic calibration control software mounted on the debugging terminal. This eliminates the tedious process of repeatedly opening the machine and plugging and unplugging calibration components, and solves the problem of inaccurate impedance measurement caused by component parameter drift in low-temperature environments and deviations in calibration data at room temperature. This further improves the reliability of the product and saves manpower and resources. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a calibration wiring diagram for a vector antenna tuner in the prior art;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the calibration process for a vector antenna tuner in the prior art;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the calibration connection of the vector antenna tuner of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the detection device for the vector antenna tuner of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the calibration process for the vector antenna tuner of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] This invention provides a real-time online calibration system for a vector antenna tuner, suitable for impedance matching systems using vector antenna tuners to achieve shortwave transceiver and shortwave antenna performance. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The system includes a debugging terminal that communicates with a vector antenna tuner. The vector antenna tuner is equipped with a detection device, which includes a temperature sensor module, a DDS control module, a DDS measurement module, a switching module, and an OSL calibration module, all connected in sequence. The debugging terminal communicates with the DDS control module, sending calibration commands and receiving feedback from it. The temperature sensor module collects low-temperature change information and sends it to the DDS control module. The DDS control module receives calibration commands from the debugging terminal and temperature change information from the temperature sensor module, controls the switching module to switch states, and simultaneously controls the OSL calibration module to perform calibration in the corresponding states. The DDS measurement module measures the antenna impedance using two JDDS9851 circuits to generate two DDS signals, one as a reference signal and the other as an excitation signal. The vector antenna tuner's microprocessor sends control commands to the DDS measurement module via the DDS control module, enabling the two signals to achieve in-phase and quadrature frequency output. When the reference signal and the excitation signal are in phase, the sampled signal is used to calculate the real part of the antenna's emission coefficient; when the reference signal and the excitation signal are orthogonal, the sampled signal is used to calculate the imaginary part of the antenna's reflection coefficient. Based on the reflection coefficient, the impedance characteristics of the antenna at the current frequency can be calculated.

[0030] Specifically, the switching module has open-circuit, short-circuit, and 50Ω load states, and the OSL calibration module correspondingly has open-circuit calibration, short-circuit calibration, and 50Ω load calibration. The debugging terminal includes an external debugging computer or control box, etc. The vector antenna tuner is equipped with automatic calibration control software, which can control the switching module to switch the OSL calibration module between open-circuit, short-circuit, and 50Ω load states. Switching the OSL calibration module is achieved through the debugging terminal software, a simple and convenient method.

[0031] Preferably, the switching module uses a relay with an isolation of 30–50 dB. Using a high-isolation relay allows for switching between DDS calibration and measurement modes, as well as switching between OSL calibration modules, offering advantages such as high isolation, ease of use, fast response time, and high reliability.

[0032] Specifically, the low-temperature change information of the temperature sensor module includes information on changes from room temperature to low temperature and information on changes from low temperature back to room temperature. The lower limit of low temperature is set to -45℃, and the room temperature is set to 25℃. Preferably, the temperature sensor module uses a type of temperature relay. This relay can report the detection information to the DDS control module of the antenna tuner when it detects that the ambient temperature is below -10℃, and has the advantages of high sensitivity and fast response time.

[0033] This invention also provides a real-time online calibration method for a vector antenna tuner based on the above system, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 The process includes: the debugging terminal sending a calibration command to the DDS control module; upon receiving the calibration command, the DDS control module controls the switching module to switch states and simultaneously controls the OSL calibration module to perform calibration in the corresponding state; after completing calibration, the OSL calibration module feeds back the calibration data to the DDS control module; the DDS control module verifies the calibration data; if the verification is successful, it sends a calibration success command to the debugging terminal, completing the calibration; if the verification fails, it sends a calibration failure command to the debugging terminal and prompts for a system check.

[0034] Alternatively, the temperature sensor module detects low-temperature environmental information and sends it to the DDS control module. The DDS control module automatically triggers a calibration command, controls the switching module to change its state, and simultaneously controls the OSL calibration module to perform calibration in the corresponding state. After completing calibration, the OSL calibration module feeds back the calibration data to the DDS control module. The DDS control module verifies the calibration data. If the verification is successful, the vector antenna tuner saves the calibration success flag; if the verification fails, the vector antenna tuner saves the calibration failure flag. After calibration is complete, the DDS control module is in a set state. If the temperature sensor module detects a temperature change again and feeds it back to the DDS control module, the DDS control module will trigger the calibration command again. The automatic triggering of the temperature sensor module is based on low-temperature environmental information. Generally, it works normally under normal temperature calibration. Under low-temperature conditions, the hardware will not malfunction; only the component parameters will drift, and the original normal temperature calibration data will not be applicable. There is no hardware failure, therefore, no system check is required in the automatic triggering mode of the temperature sensor.

[0035] Specifically, taking the example of an external debugging computer sending a calibration command to initiate automatic calibration:

[0036] First, the external debugging computer sends calibration commands to the antenna tuner via the debugging low-frequency cable.

[0037] Then, after receiving the calibration command, the antenna tuner detection device, according to the process settings of the automatic calibration control software, first controls the switching module to set the state to open circuit, and the OSL calibration module completes the open circuit calibration; then controls the switching module to set the state to short circuit, and the OSL calibration module completes the short circuit calibration; then controls the switching module to set the state to 50Ω load, and the OSL calibration module completes the 50Ω load calibration.

[0038] Finally, after the OSL calibration module completes the calibration, it feeds the calibration data back to the DDS control module. The DDS control module verifies the calibration data. If the verification is successful, the antenna tuner sends a calibration success command to the external debugging computer; otherwise, it sends a failure command and prompts for a system check. At this time, you should check whether the antenna tuner's detection device, OSL calibration module, and other functions are working properly.

[0039] The temperature sensor module automatically triggers the calibration command, and the process is basically the same as described above. The difference is that the temperature sensor module can only trigger the calibration command in a low-temperature environment. Once calibration is complete, the automatic calibration control software will set the calibration flag to the preset state. It will only respond to the calibration command again when it detects a change in the ambient temperature (which includes two processes: one is from room temperature to low temperature, and the other is from low temperature back to room temperature). The low temperature is generally set to -45℃, and the room temperature is generally set to 25℃, but these can also be adjusted according to the specific environmental conditions of the product.

[0040] This invention adds a switching module and an OSL calibration module to the antenna tuner's detection device. Calibration commands are sent via an external debugging computer or automatically triggered by a temperature sensor module. Automatic calibration control software controls the switching device to sequentially set the state to open circuit, short circuit, and 50Ω load. The OSL calibration module completes automatic calibration, and upon successful calibration, returns a calibration completion command to the debugging computer. The entire calibration process can be completed online in real time, without disassembling the antenna tuner or requiring external calibration components. Furthermore, in low-temperature environments, the temperature sensor module can automatically trigger calibration commands to complete OSL calibration, ensuring the accuracy of antenna tuner impedance measurements under low-temperature conditions.

[0041] This invention has been applied to a certain type of shortwave antenna tuner. Verification has shown that shortwave antenna tuners using this method can complete online calibration in real time without repeatedly opening the machine or requiring OSL calibration kits. The calibration process is simple, and the calibration data is accurate, meeting the requirements for high-precision impedance measurement of vector antenna tuners. Simultaneously, it successfully solves the problem of inaccurate impedance measurement caused by component parameter drift in low-temperature environments and deviations in calibration data at room temperature, further improving product reliability and reducing manpower and material costs.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A real-time online calibration system for a vector antenna tuner, characterized by, The debugging terminal is in communication connection with the vector antenna tuner, the vector antenna tuner is provided with a detection device, the detection device comprises a temperature sensor module, a DDS control module, a DDS measurement module, a switching module and an OSL calibration module which are sequentially in communication connection, the debugging terminal is in communication connection with the DDS control module, the debugging terminal is used for sending a calibration instruction to the DDS control module and acquiring information fed back by the DDS control module; the temperature sensor module is used for collecting low-temperature change information and sending the low-temperature change information to the DDS control module; the DDS control module is used for receiving the calibration instruction sent by the debugging terminal and the temperature change information sent by the temperature sensor module, and controlling the switching module to switch states and controlling the OSL calibration module to calibrate in the corresponding states; The switching module has an open circuit state, a short circuit state and a load 50Ω state, and the OSL calibration module correspondingly has an open circuit calibration, a short circuit calibration and a load 50Ω calibration.

2. A real-time on-line calibration system for a vector antenna tuner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching module adopts a relay with an isolation degree of 30-50dB.

3. A real-time on-line calibration system for a vector antenna tuner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-temperature change information of the temperature sensor module comprises normal-temperature-to-low-temperature change information and low-temperature-to-normal-temperature change information, the low-temperature lower limit is set to-45℃, and the normal temperature is set to 25℃.

4. A real-time on-line calibration system for a vector antenna tuner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor module adopts a type-1 temperature relay.

5. A method for real-time online calibration of a vector antenna tuner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The debugging terminal sends a calibration instruction to the DDS control module, after the DDS control module receives the calibration instruction sent by the debugging terminal, the DDS control module controls the switching module to switch states and controls the OSL calibration module to calibrate in the corresponding states, the OSL calibration module feeds back calibration data to the DDS control module after completing calibration, the DDS control module verifies the calibration data, if the verification is qualified, the DDS control module sends a calibration success instruction to the debugging terminal, and the calibration is completed; If the verification is unqualified, the DDS control module sends a calibration failure instruction to the debugging terminal, and simultaneously prompts to perform system inspection. The DDS control module controls the switching module to switch the open circuit state, the short circuit state and the load 50Ω state respectively, and simultaneously controls the OSL calibration module to perform the open circuit calibration, the short circuit calibration and the load 50Ω calibration correspondingly.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The temperature sensor module detects low-temperature environment information and sends the low-temperature environment information to the DDS control module, the DDS control module automatically triggers a calibration instruction, the DDS control module controls the switching module to switch states and controls the OSL calibration module to calibrate in the corresponding states, the OSL calibration module feeds back calibration data to the DDS control module after completing calibration, the DDS control module verifies the calibration data, if the verification is qualified, the vector antenna tuner saves a calibration success identifier; if the verification is unqualified, the vector antenna tuner saves a calibration failure identifier.

7. A method for real-time online calibration of a vector antenna tuner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The temperature change information detected by the temperature sensor module comprises normal-temperature-to-low-temperature change information and low-temperature-to-normal-temperature change information, the low-temperature lower limit is set to-45℃, and the normal temperature is set to 25℃. The DDS control module controls the switching module to switch the open circuit state, the short circuit state and the load 50Ω state respectively, and simultaneously controls the OSL calibration module to perform the open circuit calibration, the short circuit calibration and the load 50Ω calibration correspondingly.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, ​ 9. The method of claim 7, wherein, ​

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