Three-dimensional antenna array system

Abstract

A three-dimensional (3D) antenna array system is described in the form of a phased array antenna having a first antenna array and a second antenna array, a calibration circuit including an external signal generator, and an articulated power converter. An external signal generator is electrically connected to the first antenna array, and the first antenna array is electrically coupled to the second antenna array through the articulated power converter. The articulated power converter mechanically engages the first antenna array to the second antenna array in one of a first position and a second position, the first antenna array being disposed at an angle relative to the second antenna array when the articulated power converter is disposed in the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to three-dimensional antenna array systems. Background Art

[0002] When deployed on a ground vehicle, the on-vehicle radar system can be used to detect and locate other vehicles, pedestrians, and stationary or moving objects.

[0003] Antenna arrays, which can appear in various applications such as radar, experimental data collection, etc., need to operate in a coherent manner in time, frequency and phase. Due to changing conditions (such as ambient temperature, humidity levels, component aging, etc.), the timing, gain and phase of the transmit and receive chains of the system array need to be calibrated regularly.

[0004] Accurate calibration of phase, gain, frequency, and related parameters is critical for applying array processing algorithms to estimate radar parameters such as direction of arrival, delay, Doppler shift, etc. Known methods for calibrating antenna arrays require a dedicated setup, which may include disconnecting the antenna or performing another intrusive action on the antenna to inject a calibration signal. In addition, during vehicle production, a car's radar system may be calibrated only once. However, during normal system operation, radar systems installed in different locations on the vehicle may be subject to different ambient temperatures. For example, one part of the radar system may be facing the sun, while another part is in the shadow, which creates a temperature difference. In such a scenario, temperature-induced phase differences may occur and affect the overall radar performance.

[0005] In some cases, antenna arrays have three-dimensional (3D) shapes to improve spatial resolution in azimuth, elevation, or both. Antennas arranged in a 3D array consist of several antenna panels, with one panel or assembly rotated at an angle relative to the main panel. Such an arrangement can present special electromechanical challenges for calibrating an adjacent antenna array (e.g., PCB) when a calibration signal needs to be driven to the array at an angle relative to the main panel. Summary of the invention

[0006] The concepts described herein provide a three-dimensional (3D) antenna array for a vehicle having an articulated configuration that enables and facilitates real-time phase and gain calibration. Real-time phase and gain calibration is performed to account for parameter changes that may occur due to real-time changes in aging and / or environmental effects.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure may include a three-dimensional (3D) antenna array system in the form of a phased array antenna having a first antenna array and a second antenna array, a calibration circuit (preferably including an external signal generator), and a hinged power transformer. The calibration circuit is electrically connected to the first antenna array, and the first antenna array is electrically coupled to the second antenna array through the hinged power transformer. The hinged power transformer mechanically joins the first antenna array to the second antenna array in one of a first position and a second position, and when the hinged power transformer is set in the first position, the first antenna array is set at a certain angle relative to the second antenna array.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that when the articulated power converter is disposed in the first position, the first antenna array is disposed in a horizontal plane and the second antenna array is disposed in a vertical plane.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include the articulating power transducer electrically coupling the first antenna array to the second antenna array when the articulating power transducer is disposed in the first position.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include: the external signal generator generates a pilot signal, the pilot signal is conducted or fed to the first antenna array, and when the articulated power converter is set in the first position, the articulated power converter conducts the pilot signal to the second antenna array.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the pilot signal is or includes a short-term radio frequency (RF) (pilot) signal having a continuous sine wave.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the articulated power converter includes a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a ferrite core.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the ferrite core includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the second end by a hinge.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include the primary winding being disposed at a first end of the ferrite core, and the secondary winding being disposed at a second end of the ferrite core.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the articulated power converter includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the primary winding and the secondary winding are arranged in parallel and are helically wound around a common magnetic core element.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include the articulated power converter having a non-ferrite core.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include the primary winding being arranged to rotate relative to the secondary winding on the common core element.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include the articulated power converter including a plurality of primary windings having a first number of turns and a plurality of secondary windings having a second number of turns.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the first number of turns is equal to the second number of turns.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include: the calibration circuit has: a first power divider coupled to the first antenna array through a first directional coupler; and a second power divider coupled to the second antenna array through a second directional coupler.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a controller in communication with the calibration circuit and the external signal generator; wherein the controller is arranged to inject a pilot signal into the first antenna array and the second antenna array through the external signal generator and the calibration circuit.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include an antenna array system, comprising: a phased array antenna including a first antenna array and a second antenna array, a calibration circuit including an external signal generator, a hinge, and an articulated power converter; wherein the hinge mechanically joins the first antenna array to the second antenna array in one of a first position and a second position; wherein, when the articulated power converter is set in the first position, the first antenna array is set at a certain angle relative to the second antenna array; wherein the calibration circuit, or more specifically the external signal generator, is electrically connected to the first antenna array; and wherein the first antenna array is electrically coupled to the second antenna array through the articulated power converter.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include the articulating power transducer electrically coupling the first antenna array to the second antenna array when the articulating power transducer is disposed in the first position.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include: the external signal generator generates a pilot signal, which is conducted to the first antenna array through the calibration circuit; and when the articulated power converter is set in the first position, the articulated power converter conducts the pilot signal to the second antenna array.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include an antenna array system comprising: a phased array antenna including a first antenna array and a second antenna array, a calibration circuit including or coupled to an external signal generator, a hinge, and an articulated power converter. The hinge mechanically couples the first antenna array to the second antenna array in one of a first position and a second position. The first antenna array is disposed in a horizontal plane, and when in the first position, the second antenna array is disposed in a vertical plane, and when in the second position, the second antenna array is disposed in a horizontal plane. The external signal generator of the calibration circuit is directly electrically connected to the first antenna array and is electrically coupled to the second antenna array through the articulated power converter.

[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include: the external signal generator generating a pilot signal injected into the first antenna array; and when the second antenna array is disposed in the first position, the articulated power converter propagating the pilot signal to the second antenna array.

[0027] Systems and methods are described that enable dynamic, in-situ calibration of a radar system to accurately estimate radar parameters such as direction of arrival, time delay, Doppler shift, etc., without disconnecting the antenna or taking another intrusive action.

[0028] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings as defined in the appended claims when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 A vehicle having a radar system according to the present disclosure including a 3D antenna assembly is schematically shown.

[0031] Figure 2 An embodiment of a 3D antenna assembly according to the present disclosure is schematically shown, comprising a first antenna array, a second antenna array, and an articulated power converter.

[0032] Figure 3 An embodiment of a 3D antenna assembly according to the present disclosure is schematically shown, comprising a first antenna array, a second antenna array, an articulated power converter, and a calibration circuit.

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Embodiments of articulated power converters that may be used on embodiments of 3D antenna assemblies according to the present disclosure are schematically illustrated.

[0034] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but present somewhat simplified representations of various features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes. Details related to such features will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] As described and illustrated herein, the parts of the disclosed embodiments can be arranged and designed as various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure claimed for protection, but is merely a representative of its possible embodiments. In addition, although many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments can be practiced without some of these details. In addition, for the sake of clarity, some technical materials understood in the relevant art are not described in detail, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure. Only for convenience and clarity, directional terms may be used relative to the accompanying drawings, such as top, bottom, left side, right side, upper side, above, above, lower side, below, rear side and front side. These and similar directional terms should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure as described and illustrated herein can be practiced without elements not specifically disclosed herein.

[0036] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals correspond to the same or similar parts, Figures 1 to 5 Consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein, elements of a vehicle 10 having a radar system 20 are schematically shown, the radar system 20 including a three-dimensional (3D) antenna assembly 30 having a first antenna array 40 and a second antenna array 50, the first antenna array 40 and the second antenna array 50 being mechanically coupled and electrically connected using an articulated power converter 60. A dynamic calibration circuit 70 including an external signal generator 71 is arranged to interact with the 3D antenna assembly 30 to dynamically calibrate the first antenna array 40 and the second antenna array 50 in use. For the purposes of this disclosure, the vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, a ground vehicle in the form of a commercial vehicle, an industrial vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, a bus, etc., an aircraft, a ship, a train, an all-terrain vehicle, a personal mobile device, a robot, etc. The vehicle 10 advantageously includes a powertrain 12, a telematics system 14, and a navigation system 16, and may also include an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) 18 that provides a degree of autonomous vehicle control.

[0037] In one embodiment, the 3D antenna assembly 30 includes a first antenna array 40 arranged at an angle relative to the second antenna array 50 when in use. An external signal generator 71 is used to generate and conduct a radio frequency (RF) pilot signal, which is used by the dynamic calibration circuit 70 to dynamically calibrate the first and second antenna arrays 40, 50 of the 3D antenna assembly 30 in use. The articulated power converter 60 can be implemented using a metal coil, which can form a hinge that facilitates the folding of the 3D antenna assembly 30 to reduce its profile under certain conditions, such as when entering a docking facility. The concepts described herein facilitate a calibration process that includes regular and / or periodic calibration of phase and gain parameters without disabling array reception for calibration. The calibration process includes injecting an RF pilot signal into all receive paths, which need to operate in a coherent manner in terms of time, phase, etc.

[0038] The radar system 20 provides information regarding the location and trajectory of vehicles, pedestrians, and other objects in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 , which is communicated to the ADAS 18 for use, which may include notifying an operator and autonomously controlling the vehicle 10 .

[0039] In one embodiment, ADAS18 includes a vehicle control system capable of providing a certain degree of driving automation. "Operator" describes the person responsible for guiding the operation of the vehicle 10, whether actively participating in controlling one or more vehicle functions or guiding autonomous vehicle operations. Driving automation can include various dynamic driving and vehicle operations. Driving automation can include a certain degree of automatic control or intervention related to a single vehicle function (such as steering, acceleration and / or braking), wherein the operator continues to fully control the vehicle 10. Driving automation can include a certain degree of automatic control or intervention related to simultaneous control of multiple vehicle functions (such as steering, acceleration and / or braking), wherein the operator continues to fully control the vehicle. Driving automation can include simultaneous automatic control of vehicle driving functions including steering, acceleration and braking, wherein the operator gives up control of the vehicle 10 for a period of time during the trip. Driving automation can include simultaneous automatic control of vehicle driving functions including steering, acceleration and braking, wherein the operator gives up control of the vehicle throughout the trip. Driving automation includes hardware and controllers configured to monitor the spatial environment in various driving modes to perform various driving tasks during dynamic operations. As non-limiting examples, driving automation may include cruise control, adaptive cruise control, lane change warnings, intervention and control, automatic parking, acceleration, braking, etc. ADAS 18 includes one or more vehicle systems and associated controllers that provide a certain degree of driving automation. Vehicle systems, subsystems, and controllers associated with ADAS 18 are implemented to perform one or more operations associated with autonomous vehicle functions, including, as non-limiting examples, adaptive cruise control (ACC) operations, road guidance and road keeping operations, road change operations, steering assist operations, object avoidance operations, parking assist operations, vehicle braking operations, vehicle speed and acceleration operations, vehicle lateral motion operations, such as as part of road guidance, road keeping, and road change operations, etc.

[0040] The telematics system 14 is a communication system capable of off-vehicle communication, for communicating with a communication network system having wireless and wired communication capabilities. Off-vehicle communication includes short-range vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2x) communication. This can include communication with infrastructure monitors (e.g., traffic cameras), and communication with nearby pedestrians, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the telematics system 14 may be capable of short-range wireless communication with a handheld device (e.g., a cellular phone, a satellite phone, or another telephone device). In one embodiment, the handheld device is loaded with a software application including a wireless protocol for communicating with the telematics system 14, and the handheld device performs off-vehicle communication for communicating with an off-vehicle controller via a communication network, which communication may be in the form of a satellite, a cellular tower antenna, and / or another communication mode. The telematics system 14 may also include a global positioning system (GPS) sensor that can be used by the navigation system 16.

[0041] The on-vehicle radar system 20 may be configured as a multiple-input / multiple-output (MIMO) system including a 3D antenna assembly 30 .

[0042] The 3D antenna assembly 30 is arranged as a phased array antenna, which includes a first antenna array 40 and a second antenna array 50, which are mechanically joined and electrically connected using an articulated power converter 60. An external signal generator 71 of a calibration circuit 70 is coupled to the first antenna array 40. The 3D antenna assembly 30 includes a transmitter array, a receiver array, a dynamic calibration circuit 70, and a signal builder controller 80. In one embodiment, the various elements of the on-vehicle radar system 20 can be configured to operate as a non-linear frequency modulation (NLFM) system. The transmission frequency and related operating parameters of the NLFM system are selected to achieve the desired values ​​of range, range resolution, angle resolution, and velocity resolution for the intended operating environment of the vehicle 10. The NLFM system is arranged to generate and transmit tansec waves to address beam deflection errors by compensating for additional phase variation beam deflection errors.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first antenna array 40 is arranged in a horizontal position on the vehicle, and the second antenna array 50 can be arranged in a horizontal position (when stowed) or a vertical position (when active).

[0044] The articulating power converter 60 facilitates mechanical folding of the second antenna array 50 and also facilitates on-line real-time calibration of the phase and gain parameters of each path via the calibration circuit 70 without disabling array reception for calibration.

[0045] The 3D antenna assembly 30 includes one or more components that are rotated at a certain angle relative to each other. The articulated power converter 60 is used to feed the RF pilot signal from the calibration circuit 70 to the adjacent components and boards. The articulated power converter 60 can be implemented using a metal coil that forms a hinge that enables the 3D antenna assembly 30 to be folded when needed.

[0046] Figure 2 An embodiment of a 3D antenna assembly 30 is schematically shown, comprising a first antenna array 40 , a second antenna array 50 , an articulated power converter 60 and an external signal generator 71 of a calibration circuit 70 .

[0047] The first antenna array 40 comprises a first plurality of antennas 42a , 42b , . . . 42m arranged in a nominally horizontal plane and all electrically connected to a calibration circuit 70 .

[0048] The second antenna array 50 includes a second plurality of antennas 52a, 52b, . . . 52n arranged in a nominally vertical plane and all electrically connected to an external signal generator 71 via an articulated power converter 60.

[0049] Figure 3 Additional details related to an embodiment of a 3D antenna assembly 30 are schematically shown, the 3D antenna assembly 30 including a first antenna array 40 , a second antenna array 50 , an articulating power converter 60 , and a calibration circuit 70 .

[0050] The first antenna array 40 includes a first plurality of antennas 42a, ... 42m, where "m" represents the number of the first plurality of antennas 42. The first plurality of antennas 42a, ... 42m are all electrically connected to a calibration circuit 70. The calibration circuit 70 includes a 1 to (m+1) power divider 72 connected to an external signal generator 71, a plurality of directional couplers 76a, ... 76m and a plurality of receivers 77a, ... 77m, all of which communicate with a signal builder controller 80. Each directional coupler 76a, ... 76m is manufactured as a first and second transmission link, which are arranged in parallel and are arranged close enough so that the energy through one transmission link is coupled to another. When used in this manner, the directional couplers 76a, ... 76m simultaneously inject RF pilot signals into the signals captured by the antennas 42a, ... 42m and processed by the plurality of receivers 77a, ... 77m.

[0051] The second antenna array 50 includes a second plurality of antennas 52a, ... 52n, where "n" represents the number of the second plurality of antennas 52. The second plurality of antennas 52a, ... 52n are all electrically connected to the calibration circuit 70. The calibration circuit 70 includes a 1 to (n) power divider 74, a plurality of directional couplers 75a, ... 75n and a plurality of receivers 73a, ... 73n, all of which communicate with the signal builder controller 80. Each directional coupler 75a, ... 75n is manufactured as a first and second transmission link, which are arranged in parallel and are arranged close enough so that the energy through one transmission link is coupled to another. When used in this manner, the directional couplers 75a, ... 75n simultaneously inject RF pilot signals into the signals captured by the antennas 52a, ... 52n and processed by the plurality of receivers 73a, ... 73n.

[0052] The external signal generator 71 generates an RF pilot signal and conducts it to a 1-to-(m+1) power divider 72. The 1-to-(m+1) power divider 72 divides the RF pilot signal into m+1 signals, which are transmitted to the first multiple antennas 42a, ...42m of the first antenna array 40, and the external signal generator 71 also generates a second electric power signal, which is transmitted to the 1-to-(n) power divider 74 through the articulated power converter 60 and the phase control circuit 90. The 1-to-(n) power divider 74 divides the second electric power signal into n signals, which are transmitted to the second multiple antennas 52a, ...52n of the second antenna array 50.

[0053] In some cases, due to various design constraints, the calibration signal (local oscillator / LO signal) split between the first and second power dividers 72, 74 is too weak to be received by the second power divider 74. In such cases, it may be necessary to amplify the signal. The amplifier introduces an unknown phase offset. The phase control circuit 90 includes an optional phase-locked loop circuit to account for the unknown phase offset during the calibration process.

[0054] Figure 4 Schematically illustrated is an embodiment of an articulated power converter 60 that may be used with embodiments of the 3D antenna assembly 30 described herein. The articulated power converter 60 includes a segmented ferrite core 61 including a first end 62 and a second end 63, wherein the first and second ends 62, 63 of the ferrite are joined by a hinge 64 and a locking mechanism 65. A primary winding 66 configured as Np turns and originating from a calibration circuit 70 and a first antenna array 40 is shown at the first end 62 of the segmented ferrite core 61, and a secondary winding 67 configured as Ns turns and coupled to a second antenna array 50 is shown at the second end 63 of the ferrite core 61.

[0055] Figure 5 Schematically shows the reference Figure 2An embodiment of an articulated power converter 560 on an embodiment of a 3D antenna assembly 30 is described. The articulated power converter 560 is arranged with a primary winding 561 and a secondary winding 562, wherein the primary winding 561 and the secondary winding 562 are arranged in parallel and spirally wound around a common magnetic core element 563. The common magnetic core element 563 can be cylindrical and is arranged to operate as a hinge 564. In one embodiment, the common magnetic core element 563 is made of a ferrite material such as steel. In one embodiment, the common magnetic core element 563 is made of a non-ferrite material such as a polymer. In one embodiment, the primary winding 561 is constructed as Np turns, and the secondary winding 562 is constructed as Ns turns. In one embodiment, the turns Np of the primary winding 561 are equal to the turns Ns of the secondary winding 562.

[0056] The radar calibration process includes one or more algorithms executed in or by the signal builder controller 80 to control the calibration circuit 70 and elements of the radar system 20 to dynamically calibrate the radar system 20 during its ongoing operation. The radar calibration process includes generating an RF pilot signal by an external signal generator 71 and conducting the RF pilot signal to the first plurality of antennas 42a, ... 42m and the second plurality of antennas 52a, 52n during a portion of the silent period. The RF pilot signal is injected into all receiving channels 77, 73 of the antenna array 40, 50 simultaneously using the first and second power dividers 72, 74. The injection of the RF pilot signal into each channel is achieved using directional couplers 76, 75. Due to imbalances in the receiving channel circuits that may be caused by manufacturing variations, aging, temperature, etc., the RF pilot signal may experience different delays and attenuations in each receiving channel of the antenna array. When the RF pilot signal is a continuous sine wave (CW), the inter-channel delay difference that is shorter than one period of the RF pilot signal appears as a phase offset and signal gain variation. The phase offset may be estimated relative to a reference channel that is one of the receive channels. The calibration process includes introducing adjustments to the gain and phase offset of each receive channel to cancel the effects of delay and attenuation between the channels, thereby enabling coherent signal reception related to the position and trajectory of vehicles, pedestrians, and other objects in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 in the signal builder controller of the on-vehicle radar system 20.

[0057] The term "controller" and related terms such as control module, module, control, control unit, processor, and similar terms refer to one or various combinations of application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASICs), electronic circuit(s), central processing unit(s) (e.g., microprocessor(s)), and related non-transitory memory components in the form of memory and storage devices (read-only, programmable read-only, random access, hard drive, etc.). The non-transitory memory components are capable of storing machine-readable instructions in the form of one or more software or firmware programs or routines, combinational logic circuit(s), input / output circuit(s) and devices, signal conditioning and buffering circuits, and other components accessible by one or more processors to provide the described functionality. The input / output circuit(s) and devices include analog-to-digital converters and related devices that monitor inputs from sensors, which are monitored at a preset sampling frequency or in response to a triggering event. Software, firmware, programs, instructions, control routines, code, algorithms, and similar terms refer to controller executable instruction sets, including calibration and lookup tables. Each controller executes control routine(s) to provide the desired functionality. The routine can be executed at regular intervals, for example, once every 100 microseconds during ongoing operation. Alternatively, the routine can be executed in response to the occurrence of a triggering event. Communication between controllers and between controllers, actuators and / or sensors can be implemented using a direct wired point-to-point link, a networked communication bus link, a wireless link, or another suitable communication link. Communication includes exchanging data signals in an appropriate form, including, for example, exchanging electrical signals through a conductive medium, exchanging electromagnetic signals through the air, exchanging optical signals through optical waveguides, etc. The data signal may include a discrete signal, an analog signal, or a digitized analog signal, representing input from a sensor, an actuator command, and communication between controllers. The term "signal" refers to a physically discernible indicator that conveys information, and may be an appropriate waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic) that can propagate through a medium, such as DC, AC, a sine wave, a triangle wave, a square wave, vibration, etc.

[0058] Teachings may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. Such block components may be composed of hardware, software, and / or firmware components that are constructed to perform specified functions. Embodiments according to the present disclosure may be embodied as devices, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects (which may be generally referred to herein as a "module" or "system"). In addition, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in a tangible expression medium having a computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

[0059] The detailed description and the accompanying drawings or figures serve as support and description of the present teaching, but the scope of the present teaching is limited only by the claims. Although some best modes and other embodiments for implementing the present teaching are described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the present teaching defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An antenna array system, comprising: A phased array antenna including a first antenna array and a second antenna array, a calibration circuit, and an articulated power converter; wherein the calibration circuit is electrically connected to the first antenna array; wherein the first antenna array is electrically coupled to the second antenna array via the articulated power converter; wherein the articulated power converter mechanically couples the first antenna array to the second antenna array in one of a first position and a second position; and Wherein, when the articulated power converter is arranged at a first position, the first antenna array is arranged to form a certain angle relative to the second antenna array.

2. The antenna array system according to claim 1, wherein: When the articulated power converter is disposed in a first position, the first antenna array is disposed in a horizontal plane and the second antenna array is disposed in a vertical plane.

3. The antenna array system according to claim 1, wherein: The articulating power transducer electrically couples the first antenna array to the second antenna array when the articulating power transducer is disposed in a first position.

4. The antenna array system according to claim 3: in, The calibration circuit includes an external signal generator that generates a pilot signal; wherein the pilot signal is fed to the first antenna array; and Wherein, when the articulated power converter is set in the first position, the articulated power converter conducts the pilot signal to the second antenna array.

5. The antenna array system according to claim 4, wherein: The pilot signal includes a short-term radio frequency (RF) pilot signal having a continuous sine wave.

6. The antenna array system according to claim 1, wherein: The articulated power converter includes a primary winding, a secondary winding and a ferrite core.

7. The antenna array system according to claim 6, wherein: The ferrite core includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the second end by a hinge.

8. The antenna array system according to claim 7, wherein: The primary winding is arranged at a first end of the ferrite core, and the secondary winding is arranged at a second end of the ferrite core.

9. The antenna array system according to claim 1, wherein: The articulated power converter comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the primary winding and the secondary winding are arranged in parallel and are helically wound around a common magnetic core element.

10. The antenna array system according to claim 9, wherein: The articulated power converter includes a non-ferrite core.

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