Apparatus and method for calibration of phased array devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to calibration of phased array devices for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) waves, in particular microwaves. A phased array device includes an antenna array, a transmitting circuit, a coupling structure, and a receiving circuit. The phased array device calibrates the transmit circuit (or receive circuit) based on one or more RF signals received by the receive circuit from the transmit circuit through the coupling structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the calibration of phased array devices for detecting and transmitting waves. The present disclosure proposes a phased array device and a corresponding method for operating the phased array device. The phased array device includes an antenna array, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit. Background Art

[0002] In order to successfully perform beamforming and scanning in a phased array system, the amplitude and phase of each antenna element channel must be precisely set. However, due to the different radio frequency (RF) hardware connected to each antenna element, there may be significant amplitude and phase differences between channels. In addition, the phase and amplitude characteristics of traditional RF devices depend on frequency and temperature and usually drift over time. To equalize the effects of the phase and amplitude of the channels, the phased array system is calibrated once during manufacturing and periodically during operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Traditional phased array calibration methods are usually too time-consuming or require complex measurement setups and are not suitable for mass production. The four most commonly used calibration methods are: near-field scanning probe method, peripheral fixed probe method, calibration line method, and mutual coupling method.

[0004] For the near-field scanning probe method, a test antenna (probe) is scanned over the antenna array to directly measure the relative phase and amplitude of each antenna element. Using a near-field scanning probe, the array can be calibrated precisely and directly (i.e., without prior calibration). However, this is a time-consuming and costly method that requires a complex setup involving precise automatic probe movement. Therefore, this method is usually more suitable for the initial factory calibration of phased array systems rather than regular on-site calibration.

[0005] For the calibration line method, transmission lines are connected to each antenna element for regular on-site calibration of small phased array systems. These calibration lines sample the signals received and transmitted by the antenna elements. Then, the measured signals are used to calculate the phase / amplitude differences between the antenna element channels.

[0006] In order to successfully calibrate a phased array system using this method, the phase shift and amplitude loss caused by the transmission lines and the couplers connecting the transmission lines should be equal or predetermined.

[0007] However, using a calibration line connected behind the antenna cannot equalize the effects of different antenna elements. Therefore, for successful on-site calibration, it is first necessary to calibrate the antenna elements, calibration line, and coupler in the factory. Although these three components can be measured separately in the factory, it may be more accurate if they are measured simultaneously when they are interconnected (and connected to other components of the system). This can be done in the factory using a scanning probe. In addition, for regular on-site calibration, it should be assumed that the characteristics of the antenna elements, transmission lines, and couplers do not change over time. However, if one of these components fails and is replaced, factory calibration should be performed again.

[0008] Generally, the steps for calibrating a phased array system can be summarized as follows:

[0009] 1. Measure the phase / amplitude differences between channels using an appropriate method in the factory.

[0010] 2. Repeat the measurement for both transmit and receive modes.

[0011] 3. Repeat the measurement at different frequencies and temperatures at which the system is required to operate.

[0012] 4. If phase shifters and attenuators are used (i.e., analog or hybrid beamforming), the calibration process can be repeated for each phase and amplitude step.

[0013] 5. Calibration should be repeated on-site regularly to compensate for phase / amplitude shifts that occur over time due to component aging or replacement.

[0014] For calibration, it is not necessary to measure the actual phase / amplitude response (phase / amplitude shift of the output relative to the input) of each channel. If the input signals are equal, calibration can be performed by measuring the relative relationship between the output signals with respect to each other. If the input signals are not equal, the output should first be normalized (divided by the input) and then compared with each other.

[0015] Step 3 is beneficial because the phase / amplitude shift of most RF devices depends on temperature and frequency, and the behavior of each channel will be different. If constant phase shifters are used, the frequency responses of the channels should be kept as similar to each other as possible. This can be achieved by using RF devices with similar frequency responses and equalizing the path lengths of each channel. If the path lengths are different, the phase shifter compensation will only be useful at a specific frequency and ineffective for other frequencies in the bandwidth.

[0016] Step 4 is beneficial because the amplitude and / or phase offsets caused by the attenuator and the phase shifter vary with their amplitude and phase settings, respectively. Ideally, the attenuator and phase shifter steps are calibrated for all combinations. For example, if there are N phase steps and M attenuator steps, the calibration should be repeated N×M times because the impedance mismatch (return loss) between the attenuator and the phase shifter may depend on the phase and amplitude settings. However, if very high accuracy is not required, calibrating the phase shifter and the attenuator separately may be sufficient, which only requires N+M calibration steps. In addition, even if the phase shifter does not cause much attenuation, the attenuator can cause a significant phase offset. Therefore, the measured phase and amplitude can be set for each attenuator.

[0017] The calibration can be repeated for all beam scan angles instead of for all phase shifter settings. For large arrays and high-bit phase shifters, beam scan angle calibration takes much less time; however, scan angle calibration is less reliable than phase shifter calibration because phase shifter steps that are not theoretically used for beam scanning may have to be used in practice to equalize the phase offsets of the channels.

[0018] It should be noted that Step 3 only applies to analog beam forming (ABF) systems. It does not apply to systems using full digital beam forming (DBF), which do not require phase shifters or attenuators. Generally, for full DBF systems, the factory calibration process can be completed more quickly.

[0019] After all the above measurements are made, the measured complex values can be stored in the system software in tabular form (calibration coefficients). The phase and amplitude values can be stored as complex numbers (i.e., real and imaginary numbers), or in two separate tables for amplitude and phase. For ABF systems, the amplitude coefficients should be divided by the smallest coefficient to normalize their values and minimize them as much as possible. In this way, the additional attenuation used to equalize the channel response during system operation can be minimized. It should be noted that all values should be greater than 1 because they represent attenuation amounts. Different from the amplitude values, the phase offsets do not need to be normalized. During on-site operation of the system, based on the current phase shifter and attenuator settings, as well as the frequency and temperature, the appropriate values in the calibration coefficient table are used to compensate for the phase / amplitude offsets of each channel. In ABF systems, this is achieved by applying additional attenuation and phase offsets. In full DBF systems, the complex calibration coefficients can be applied digitally by the processor.

[0020] Due to aging, the amplitude / phase offset of RF components typically drifts over time. Therefore, it is often necessary to periodically recalibrate the phased array in the field and update the calibration coefficients. In addition, when replacing a faulty component (such as a chipset or RF chain), it may be necessary to calibrate the phased array again. Calibration can be done when data transmission is paused (offline tracking) or as a background process (online tracking).

[0021] In summary, the present disclosure aims to provide a phased array device that can be efficiently calibrated. One goal is to reduce the cost and / or time requirements for calibrating the phased array device in the factory and / or in the field. Another goal is to avoid the complex mechanical systems required for calibration using mobile external probes.

[0022] These and other objects are achieved by the present disclosure described in the appended independent claims. Advantageous implementations are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0023] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a phased array device for transmitting RF waves, wherein the phased array device includes: an antenna array including two or more antennas; a transmission circuit connected to or connectable to the antenna array and configured to generate an RF signal for driving the antenna array; a coupling structure; a reception circuit connected to or connectable to the transmission circuit through the coupling structure and configured to receive one or more RF signals from the transmission circuit through the coupling structure; wherein the phased array device is configured to calibrate the transmission circuit based on the one or more RF signals received by the reception circuit.

[0024] In the present disclosure, "radio frequency (RF)" refers to frequencies up to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Thus, the RF spectrum is understood to include microwave frequencies.

[0025] In one embodiment, the one or more RF signals received by the reception circuit are RF signals specifically generated by the transmission circuit for calibration (rather than for driving the antenna array) and may be referred to as calibration signals. The transmission circuit may generate the calibration signals during a calibration period and generate RF signals for driving the antenna array during a transmission period. The RF signals for driving the antenna array may be referred to as feed signals.

[0026] In another embodiment, the one or more RF signals received by the reception circuit include one or more feed signals generated by the transmission circuit for driving the antenna array. In this embodiment, the reception circuit "listens" to the transmission circuit during normal operation of the phased array device and uses at least one of the feed signals as a calibration signal.

[0027] In one implementation of the first aspect, the transmitting circuit includes a first node that is connected to or connectable to an antenna in the antenna array and is configured to provide an RF signal for driving the antenna, wherein the first node is connected to or connectable to the coupling structure.

[0028] Therefore, the receiving circuit can receive the RF signal from the first node of the transmitting circuit through the coupling structure. Accordingly, the phased array device can calibrate the transmitting circuit based on the received RF signal.

[0029] In the present disclosure, the term "node" refers to a point in a circuit that provides or receives a signal. The signal can be a balanced signal or an unbalanced signal. In the first case (balanced signal), the term node refers to what is commonly referred to as a "port". A port is a composite node consisting of two ends. In other words, a port is a pair of basic nodes for providing or receiving a balanced signal.

[0030] In another implementation of the first aspect, the phased array device includes a feeder from the first node of the transmitting circuit to the antenna, wherein the coupling structure includes a coupler connected to the feeder.

[0031] Therefore, the coupling structure can pick up a signal from the feeder. The feeder can include a balanced feeder or an unbalanced feeder. The feeder can also include a balun.

[0032] The coupling structure can include two or more couplers, each coupler being connected to a corresponding feeder.

[0033] The phased array device can include one or more feeders. Each of the one or more feeders can be connected to one of the two or more couplers, for example, only one coupler.

[0034] In another implementation of the first aspect, the receiving circuit includes a first node that is connected to or connectable to the first node of the transmitting circuit through the coupling structure and is configured to receive an RF signal from the first node of the transmitting circuit through the coupling structure.

[0035] Accordingly, the phased array device can calibrate the transmitting circuit based on the RF signal received from the node of the transmitting circuit at the first node.

[0036] In another implementation of the first aspect, the phased array device is configured to determine a transfer function m iA value based on the RF signal received from the first node of the transmitting circuit at the first node of the receiving circuit, and based on the transfer function m iACalibrate the transmission circuit with the value.

[0037] Therefore, the phased array device can calibrate the transmission circuit based on the transfer function m iA with the value. In one embodiment, the phased array device determines the transfer function T iC (describing the transfer of the signal from the transmission circuit to the node of the coupling structure), and calibrates the transmission circuit based on the value of the T iC with the value. The value of the T iC can be determined based on the identity m iA = T iC M iA R A or can be determined based on the identity determined.

[0038] In another implementation of the first aspect, the receiving circuit includes a second node connected to or connectable to the first node of the transmission circuit through the coupling structure, for receiving an RF signal from the first node of the transmission circuit through the coupling structure.

[0039] Therefore, the phased array device can calibrate the transmission circuit based on the following two signals: the RF signal received from the first node of the transmission circuit at the first node; the RF signal received from the first node of the transmission circuit at the second node.

[0040] Therefore, calibration can be performed more accurately.

[0041] In one embodiment, the RF signal received at the first node and the RF signal received at the second node are the same signal from the node of the transmission circuit, received at the first node and the second node of the receiving circuit respectively. In another embodiment, the first node and the second node receive a first RF signal and a second RF signal from the node of the transmission circuit respectively, where the first RF signal and the second RF signal are two consecutive signals.

[0042] In another implementation of the first aspect, the phased array device is configured to determine the transfer function m iB ;

[0043] based on the RF signal received from the first node of the transmission circuit at the second node of the receiving circuit; iB Calibrate the transmission circuit with the value of the transfer function m.

[0044] Therefore, the phased array device can be based on two transfer functions m iA and m iBCalibrate the transmission circuit. Thus, the calibration can become more accurate.

[0045] In one embodiment, the phased array device determines the transfer function T iA based on both m iB and m iC , and calibrates the transmission circuit based on the value of the T iC . The value of the T iC can be determined using two such identities m iA = T iC M iA R A and m iB = T iC M iB R B , or can also be determined using relevant identities .

[0046] In another implementation of the first aspect, the transmission circuit includes a second node connected to or connectable to the first node of the receiving circuit for transmitting an RF signal to the first node of the receiving circuit.

[0047] Thus, the phased array device can calibrate the transmission circuit based on the following three RF signals: the RF signal received at the first node of the receiving circuit from the first node of the transmission circuit; the RF signal received at the second node of the receiving circuit from the first node of the transmission circuit; the RF signal received at the first node of the receiving circuit from the second node of the transmission circuit.

[0048] Thus, the transmission circuit can be calibrated more accurately.

[0049] In another implementation of the first aspect, the phased array device is used to determine the transfer function m BA based on the RF signal received at the first node of the receiving circuit from the second node of the transmission circuit.

[0050] Thus, the phased array device can calibrate the transmission circuit based on three transfer functions m iA , m iB and m BA . Thus, the transmission circuit can be calibrated more accurately.

[0051] In one embodiment, the phased array device uses the identity m BA = T B M iB M iA R AMathematical calculations are used to determine the transfer function T that describes the transfer from the first node of the transmission circuit to the node of the coupling structure iC . For example, the identity

[0052] Therefore, the transfer function T can be calculated from the three measured transfer functions m iA 、m iB 、m AB and the ratio T A / R A (with a coefficient of -1, i.e., a phase ambiguity of 180 degrees). For example, the ratio T iC / R A / R A can be measured at the factory or during maintenance

[0053] In another implementation of the first aspect, the phased array device includes a feeder from the first node of the transmission circuit to the antenna, and a signal line from the second node of the transmission circuit to the first node of the receiving circuit, where the coupling structure includes a coupler that connects the feeder to the signal line

[0054] Therefore, the first node of the receiving circuit is used to receive RF signals from the first node of the transmission circuit and from the second node of the transmission circuit through the same signal line. In other words, the same signal line is used to carry both signals. Thus, a lean design can be achieved

[0055] In another implementation of the first aspect, the second node of the receiving circuit is connected or connectable to the first node of the transmission circuit through: the coupler and the portion of the signal line that extends from the coupler to the second node of the transmission circuit

[0056] Therefore, the second node of the receiving circuit is connected in an economical way

[0057] In another implementation of the first aspect, the second node of the receiving circuit is co-located with the second node of the transmission circuit at a common location, and is connected or connectable to the first node of the transmission circuit through: the coupler and the portion of the signal line that extends from the coupler to the common location

[0058] Therefore, the transfer function of the RF signal from the second node of the transmission circuit to the coupler ("backward path") and the transfer function of the RF signal from the coupling point to the second node of the receiving circuit ("forward path") can be approximately equal. Then it can be mathematically proven This identity facilitates the calibration of the transmission circuit

[0059] In another implementation of the first aspect, the signal line includes a transmission line or a waveguide.

[0060] In another implementation of the first aspect, calibrating the transmitting circuit includes: adjusting the phase and / or gain of the RF signal provided by the first node of the transmitting circuit for driving the antenna.

[0061] Therefore, the feeding signals of the antenna array can be balanced at least to some extent.

[0062] The phased array device may include a controller for calculating the phase and / or the gain based on the one or more RF signals received by the receiving circuit, or for calculating a parameter equivalent to the phase and / or the gain (i.e., a parameter that enables the phased array device to adjust the phase and / or the gain). The phased array device may include a non-volatile memory (connected to the controller or integrated in the controller) for memorizing the phase and / or the gain (or for memorizing one or more parameters that enable the controller to calculate the phase and / or the gain). The controller may also be used to adjust the phase and / or the gain of the RF signal provided by the first node for driving the antenna.

[0063] The controller may be used to perform operations similar to those described above for each antenna. Therefore, the transmitting circuit can be calibrated for the entire array.

[0064] In another implementation of the first aspect, the coupling structure includes a plurality of couplers arranged on the signal line, and each coupler is connected to the feeder of the corresponding antenna in the antenna array.

[0065] The plurality of couplers may include two or more couplers.

[0066] In another implementation of the first aspect, the receiving circuit is connected to or can be connected to the antenna array and is used to receive RF signals from the antenna array.

[0067] Therefore, the phased array device can also operate as a receiving device.

[0068] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a phased array device for receiving RF waves, wherein the phased array device includes: an antenna array including two or more antennas; a receiving circuit connected to or connectable to the antenna array and configured to receive RF signals from the antenna array; a coupling structure; a transmitting circuit connected to or connectable to the receiving circuit through the coupling structure and configured to transmit one or more RF signals to the receiving circuit through the coupling structure; wherein the phased array device is configured to calibrate the receiving circuit based on the one or more RF signals received by the receiving circuit from the transmitting circuit.

[0069] In one implementation of the second aspect, the receiving circuit includes a third node connected to or connectable to an antenna in the antenna array and configured to receive RF signals from the antenna, wherein the third node is connected to or connectable to the coupling structure.

[0070] Therefore, the transmitting circuit can transmit RF signals to the third node of the receiving circuit through the coupling structure. Thus, the phased array device can calibrate the receiving circuit based on the received RF signals.

[0071] In another implementation of the second aspect, the phased array device includes a feeder from the third node of the receiving circuit to the antenna, wherein the coupling structure includes a coupler connected to the feeder.

[0072] Therefore, the coupling structure can pick up signals from the feeder. The feeder can include a balanced feeder or an unbalanced feeder. The feeder can also include a balun.

[0073] The coupling structure can include two or more couplers, each coupler connected to the feeder.

[0074] In another implementation of the second aspect, the transmitting circuit includes a third node connected to or connectable to the third node of the receiving circuit through the coupling structure and configured to transmit RF signals to the third node of the receiving circuit through the coupling structure.

[0075] Therefore, the phased array device can calibrate the receiving circuit based on the RF signals transmitted from the third node of the transmitting circuit and received at the third node of the receiving circuit.

[0076] In another implementation of the second aspect, the phased array device is configured to determine a transfer function m Ai value based on the RF signals received at the third node of the receiving circuit from the third node of the transmitting circuit, and based on the transfer function m AiCalibrate the receiving circuit based on the value.

[0077] Therefore, the phased array device can calibrate the receiving circuit based on the transfer function m Ai Calibrate the receiving circuit based on the value. In one embodiment, the phased array device determines the transfer function R iC (describing the signal transfer from the node of the coupling structure to the receiving circuit), and calibrate the receiving circuit based on the value of R iC The value of R iC can be determined based on the identity m Ai = T A M iA R iC or can be determined based on the identity to determine.

[0078] In another implementation of the second aspect, the transmitting circuit includes a second node, and the second node is connected to or can be connected to a third node of the receiving circuit through the coupling structure for transmitting an RF signal to the third node of the receiving circuit through the coupling structure.

[0079] Therefore, the phased array device can calibrate the receiving circuit based on the following two signals: the RF signal received from the third node of the transmitting circuit at the third node of the receiving circuit; the RF signal received from the second node of the transmitting circuit at the third node of the receiving circuit.

[0080] Therefore, calibration can be performed more accurately.

[0081] The RF signal can be a third RF signal and a fourth RF signal and / or can be two consecutive signals.

[0082] In another implementation of the second aspect, the phased array device is configured to determine the transfer function m based on the RF signal received from the second node of the transmitting circuit at the third node of the receiving circuit Bi ;

[0083] Calibrate the transmitting circuit based on the value of the transfer function m Bi value.

[0084] Therefore, the phased array device can calibrate the transmitting circuit based on two transfer functions m Ai and m Bi Calibrate the transmitting circuit. Therefore, calibration can become more accurate.

[0085] In one embodiment, the phased array device determines the transfer function R based on both m Ai and m Bi both iCvalue and calibrate the transmitting circuit based on the value of the R iC value. The value of the R iC can be determined using two identities m Ai = T A M Ai R iC and m Bi = T B M Bi R iC or can be determined using related identities .

[0086] In another implementation of the second aspect, the receiving circuit includes a second node connected to or connectable to a third node of the transmitting circuit for receiving an RF signal from the third node of the transmitting circuit.

[0087] Therefore, the phased array device can calibrate the receiving circuit based on the following three RF signals: the RF signal received from the third node of the transmitting circuit at the third node of the receiving circuit; the RF signal received from the second node of the transmitting circuit at the third node of the receiving circuit; the RF signal received from the third node of the transmitting circuit at the second node of the receiving circuit.

[0088] Therefore, the receiving circuit can be calibrated more accurately.

[0089] In another implementation of the second aspect, the phased array device is configured to determine the transfer function m AB .

[0090] Therefore, the phased array device can calibrate the receiving circuit based on three transfer functions m Ai 、m Bi and m AB . Therefore, the receiving circuit can be calibrated more accurately.

[0091] In one embodiment, the phased array device uses mathematical calculations based on the identity m AB = T A M iA M iB R B to determine the transfer function R iC (describing the transfer from the node of the coupling structure to the third node of the receiving circuit). For example, identities

[0092] can be used. Therefore, the transfer function R can be determined from three measured transfer functions m Ai 、mBi , m AB and ratio T A / R A Calculate the transfer function R iC (with a coefficient of -1, i.e., the phase ambiguity is 180 degrees). For example, the ratio T A / R A can be measured at the factory or during maintenance.

[0093] In another implementation of the second aspect, the phased array device includes:

[0094] Connect the third node of the receiving circuit to the feeder of the antenna in the antenna array; a signal line from the second node of the receiving circuit to the third node of the transmitting circuit, wherein the coupling structure includes a coupler connecting the feeder to the signal line.

[0095] Therefore, the third node of the transmitting circuit is used to send an RF signal to the third node of the receiving circuit and send an RF signal to the second node of the receiving circuit through the same signal line. In other words, the same signal line is used to carry these two signals. Therefore, a lean design can be achieved.

[0096] In another implementation of the second aspect, the second node of the transmitting circuit is connected to or can be connected to the third node of the receiving circuit through: the coupler and the part of the signal line extending from the coupler to the second node of the receiving circuit.

[0097] Therefore, the second node of the transmitting circuit is connected in an economical way.

[0098] In another implementation of the second aspect, the second node of the transmitting circuit is co-located with the second node of the receiving circuit at a common location, and is connected to or can be connected to the third node of the receiving circuit through: the coupler and the part of the signal line extending from the coupler to the common location.

[0099] Therefore, the transfer function of the RF signal from the second node of the transmitting circuit to the coupler (the "forward path" with respect to the third node of the receiving circuit) and the transfer function of the RF signal from the coupling point to the second node of the receiving circuit (the "backward path" with respect to the third node of the receiving circuit) will be approximately equal. Then it can be mathematically proven This identity facilitates the calibration of the transmitting circuit. The common location can be a first common location.

[0100] The third node of the transmitting circuit may be co-located with the third node of the receiving circuit at a second common location and may be connected to or connectable to the third node of the receiving circuit and / or the first node of the transmitting circuit by: the coupler and the portion of the signal line extending from the coupler to the second common location.

[0101] In another implementation of the second aspect, the signal line includes a transmission line or a waveguide.

[0102] In another implementation of the second aspect, calibrating the receiving circuit includes: adjusting the phase and / or gain of the RF signal received by the third node of the receiving circuit from the antenna.

[0103] Thus, the feed signals from the antenna array can be equalized at least to some extent.

[0104] The phased array device may include a controller for calculating the phase and / or the gain based on the one or more RF signals received by the receiving circuit, or for calculating a parameter equivalent to the phase and / or the gain (i.e., a parameter that enables the phased array device to adjust the phase and / or the gain). The controller may also be used to adjust the phase and / or gain of the RF signal received by the third node of the receiving circuit from the antenna.

[0105] The controller may be used to perform operations similar to those described above for each antenna. Thus, the receiving circuit can be calibrated for the entire antenna array.

[0106] In another implementation of the second aspect, the coupling structure includes a plurality of couplers arranged on the signal line, each coupler being connected to the feeder of a corresponding antenna in the antenna array.

[0107] The plurality of couplers may include two or more couplers.

[0108] In another implementation of the second aspect, the transmitting circuit is connected to or connectable to the antenna array and is used to transmit RF signals to drive the antenna array.

[0109] Thus, the phased array device can also operate as a transmitting device.

[0110] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for operating a phased array device for transmitting RF waves. The phased array device includes: an antenna array including two or more antennas; a transmitting circuit connected to or connectable to the antenna array; a coupling structure; a receiving circuit connected to or connectable to the transmitting circuit through the coupling structure. The method includes: the transmitting circuit generating an RF signal for driving the antenna array, the receiving circuit receiving one or more RF signals from the transmitting circuit through the coupling structure, and calibrating the transmitting circuit based on the one or more RF signals received by the receiving circuit.

[0111] The method of the third aspect may have an implementation corresponding to the implementation of the phased array device of the first aspect. The method of the third aspect and its implementation achieve the advantages and effects described above for the device of the first aspect and its corresponding implementation.

[0112] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for operating a phased array device for receiving RF waves. The phased array device includes: an antenna array including two or more antennas; a receiving circuit connected to or connectable to the antenna array; a coupling structure; a transmitting circuit connected to or connectable to the receiving circuit through the coupling structure. The method includes: the receiving circuit receiving an RF signal from the antenna array, the transmitting circuit sending one or more RF signals to the receiving circuit through the coupling structure, and calibrating the receiving circuit based on the one or more RF signals received by the receiving circuit from the transmitting circuit.

[0113] The method of the fourth aspect may have an implementation corresponding to the implementation of the phased array device of the second aspect. The method of the fourth aspect and its implementation achieve the same advantages and effects as the device of the second aspect and its corresponding implementation described above.

[0114] In addition, in the present disclosure, the phrases "calibration line" and "signal line" may be used interchangeably.

[0115] It should be noted that all devices, elements, units, and components described in the present disclosure may be implemented by software or hardware elements or any combination thereof. All steps performed by the various entities described in the present disclosure and the functions performed by the various entities described are intended to mean that the corresponding entities are adapted or used to perform the corresponding steps and functions. Although in the description of the following specific embodiments, the specific functions or steps performed by external entities are not reflected in the description of the specific detailed elements of the entities performing the specific steps or functions, those skilled in the art should clearly understand that these methods and functions may be implemented by the corresponding software or hardware elements or any combination thereof. Description of the Drawings

[0116] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the following description of specific embodiments elaborates on the above aspects and implementation manners.

[0117] Figure 1 Shows a phased array device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Figure 2 Shows a phased array device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Figure 3 Shows a phased array device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Figure 4 Shows measurements that can be collected for each channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] Figure 5 Shows a phased array device including a single calibration line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Figure 6 Shows a phased array device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] Figure 7 Shows an exemplary coupling structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Figure 8 Shows an exemplary implementation of the coupling structure in a machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Figure 9 Shows the probability density function of the error associated with the calibration of a phased array device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] Figure 10 Shows an exemplary radiation performance and numerical comparison of HFSS simulations of a phased array device, a near-field scanning probe, and a boresight radiation pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] Figure 11 Shows an exemplary radiation performance and numerical comparison of HFSS simulations of a phased array device, a near-field scanning probe, and a 45° steered radiation pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] Figure 12 Shows the couplers dispersion of a phased array device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0129] Figure 13 Shows a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] Figure 14 A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed implementation

[0131] Generally, a phased array device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an antenna array 101 (the antenna array 101 includes two or more antennas 101a, 101d), a transmission circuit 102, a coupling structure 103, and a reception circuit 104. The reception circuit 104 is connected to or can be connected to the transmission circuit 102 through the coupling structure 103.

[0132] Figure 1 The phased array device 100 is shown, wherein the transmission circuit 102 is connected to or can be connected to the antenna array 101 and is used to generate RF signals for driving the antenna array 101. The reception circuit 104 is used to receive one or more RF signals 105 from the transmission circuit 102 through the coupling structure 103. The phased array device 100 is used to calibrate the transmission circuit 102 based on one or more RF signals 105, which is indicated by a dashed arrow in Figure 1 as shown.

[0133] Figure 2 The phased array device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the reception circuit 104 is connected to or can be connected to the antenna array 101 and is used to receive RF signals from the antenna array 101. The transmission circuit 102 is used to send one or more RF signals 105 to the reception circuit 104 through the coupling structure 103. The phased array device 100 is used to calibrate the reception circuit 104 based on one or more RF signals 105 received by the reception circuit 104 from the transmission circuit 102, which is indicated by a dashed arrow in Figure 2 as shown.

[0134] Figure 3 The phased array device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The phased array device 100 may include a first node 102a of the transmission circuit, a second node 102c of the transmission circuit, and a third node 102b of the transmission circuit. The phased array device 100 may include a first node 104c of the reception circuit, a second node 104b of the reception circuit, and a third node 104a of the reception circuit.

[0135] The phased array device 100 may include one or more RF chains. A single calibration line may be used to sense one or more RF chains through the coupling structure 103, where external probes may not be required. The calibration line may be connected to reference transceivers or ports at both ends respectively, and these ports are used to sample signals from the active system / inject signals into the active system. By using two ports, the phase and amplitude differences between array elements can be determined.

[0136] The first node 102a of the transmitting circuit can be, for example, the i-th calibration transmitter of the i-th channel. Alternatively, the first node 102a of the transmitting circuit can be the calibration transmitter for all channels. For example, the calibration transmitter can be shared among all channels. A single transmitter can generate a single transmission signal, and then the single transmission signal can be divided into multiple feed signals, each of which has a separate phase shift for each antenna in the antenna array 101.

[0137] The second node 102c of the transmitting circuit can be calibration transmitter B.

[0138] The third node 102b of the transmitting circuit can be calibration transmitter A.

[0139] The first node 104c of the receiving circuit can be calibration receiver B.

[0140] The second node 104b of the receiving circuit can be calibration receiver A.

[0141] The third node 104a of the receiving circuit can be, for example, the i-th calibration receiver of the i-th channel. Alternatively, the first node 104a of the receiving circuit can be the calibration receiver for all channels. For example, the calibration receiver can be shared among all channels. A single receiver can receive a single received signal obtained by adding the individual received signals (with appropriate separate phase shifts) from each antenna in the antenna array 101.

[0142] Calibration receiver A and calibration transmitter A can be included in calibration transceiver A.

[0143] Calibration receiver A and / or calibration transmitter A can be referred to as port A.

[0144] Calibration receiver B and calibration transmitter B can be included in calibration transceiver B.

[0145] Calibration receiver B and / or calibration transmitter B can be referred to as port B.

[0146] Each i-th calibration transmitter and each i-th calibration receiver can be respectively included in the i-th calibration transceiver.

[0147] The receiving circuit 104 can include one or more third nodes 104a of the receiving circuit.

[0148] The transmitting circuit 102 can include one or more first nodes 102a of the transmitting circuit.

[0149] The connections from each first node 102a of the transmitting circuit to the first node 104b and the second node 104c of the receiving circuit can form a first set of channels.

[0150] The connections from each third node 104a of the receiving circuit to the third node 102b of the transmitting circuit and / or the second node 102c of the transmitting circuit may form a second set of channels.

[0151] The first set of channels and the second set of channels may be the same set of channels. For example, each channel in the first set of channels may include the same feeder and / or signal line portions as one of the channels in the second set of channels.

[0152] The phased antenna array 100 may include channels for each antenna in the antenna array 101.

[0153] In addition, the phased array device 100 may include a controller for digital processing, which may be connected to the receiving circuit 104 and / or the transmitting circuit 102.

[0154] To calibrate the phased array system according to the present disclosure, the phase imbalance and amplitude loss caused by the coupling structure 103 (which may include two or more couplers) may be equal or known. This may not be required for transmission lines. If the couplers 103a included in the coupling structure 103 are made of the same material and have the same shape, their effects may be substantially equal. In addition, since the calibration process according to the present disclosure is capable of calibrating to the position of the coupler 103a in the RF chain, the remaining lines from the coupler 103a to the antennas in the antenna array 101 and the antennas may need to be substantially equal or have predetermined characteristics. If parts of the antennas are made of the same material, their effects may be substantially equal. Therefore, a two-port single calibration line may be used to calibrate the phased array device 100.

[0155] Two assumptions may need to be verified: the first assumption is the equivalence between the couplers, and the second assumption is the equivalence between the radiating elements and their feeders. These assumptions may be achieved by the quality of traditional manufacturing processes, and performance limitations may be set for the calibration accuracy (e.g., together with the coupler accuracy).

[0156] It may be necessary to first perform in-factory calibration and then on-site monitoring to track the aging and temperature drift of the RF components.

[0157] A calibration line may connect all or part of two or more antennas through a non-directional coupler and may be terminated at two ports (i.e., two parts of the line), and the signals are measured at the two ports. External probes may not be required during in-factory calibration.

[0158] Figure 4 Measurements that may be collected for each channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0159] The phased array device 100 may include two or more channels, for example, i channels, where i may be an integer greater than 1. The phased array device 100 may include two channels for each antenna in the antenna array 101, for example, one channel for calibrating the receiver A 104b and / or the transmitter A 102b and one channel for calibrating the receiver B 104c and / or the transmitter B 102c.

[0160] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The letters shown represent transfer functions:

[0161] TA(f): Transfer function for calibrating transmitter A 102b

[0162] RA(f): Transfer function for calibrating receiver A 104b

[0163] TB(f): Transfer function for calibrating transmitter B 102c

[0164] RB(f): Transfer function for calibrating receiver B 104c

[0165] Ti(F): Transfer function of the calibration transmitter for the i-th channel 102a

[0166] Ri(F): Transfer function of the calibration receiver for the i-th channel 104a

[0167] This calibration concept is valid if the analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are the same number as the channels (fully digital system), or when they are shared among the channels (analog / hybrid system).

[0168] The following measurements can be performed for each channel i (see Figure 4 ).

[0169] m iA = T i (f) C(f) M iA (f) R A (f) (1)

[0170] m iB = T i (f) C(f) M iB (f) R B (f) (2)

[0171] m Ai = T A (f) M iA (f) C(f) Ri (f) (3)

[0172] m Bi = T B (f) M iB (f) C(f) R i (f) (4)

[0173] m AB = T A (f) M iA (f) M iB (f) R B (f) (5)

[0174] m BA = T B (f) M iB (f) M iA (f) R A (f) (6)

[0175] It can be assumed that the couplers are substantially equivalent or identical: C i (f) = C(f),

[0176] Since it can be assumed that all couplers are identical and the differences between channels can be equalized, the combined response of the transmitter / receiver 102a / 104a and the coupler 103a for the i-th channel can be calculated.

[0177] For the following, define: T iC (f) = T i (f)C(f) and R iC (f) = R i (f)C(f).

[0178] m iA = T iC (f) M iA (f) R A (f) (7)

[0179] m iB = T iC (f) M iB (f) R B (f) (8)

[0180] m Ai = T A (f) M iA (f) R iC (f) (9)

[0181] m Bi = T B(f) M iB (f) R iC (f) (10)

[0182] m AB = T A (f) M iA (f) M iB (f) R B (f) (11)

[0183] m BA = T B (f) M iB (f) M iA (f) R A (f) (12)

[0184] Calibration of the transmit part and calibration of the receive part can be performed separately, so the calibration according to the present disclosure can be applied to a transmit-only or receive-only array. However, the generated (simplified) system of equations cannot be solved using self-calibration. In other words, if the transmitter and receiver are calibrated separately, then T A (f), T B (f), R A (f) and the number of R B (f) may need to be determined or known in advance.

[0185] The simplified system of equations is:

[0186] For TX ONLY:

[0187] m iA = T iC (f) M iA (f) R A (f) (7)

[0188] m iB = T iC (f) M iB (f) R B (f) (8)

[0189] m AB = T A (f) M iA (f) M iB (f) R B (f) (11)

[0190] m BA = T B (f) M iB (f) M iA (f) R A (f) (12)

[0191] Multiply Equation (7) and Equation (8) and solve for T iC 2 , obtaining:

[0192]

[0193] T iC can be determined based on Equation (11) according to the first method:

[0194]

[0195] Therefore,

[0196]

[0197] Therefore, the transfer function T iA , m iB , m AB and the ratio T A / R A can be calculated from the three measured transfer functions m iC (with a coefficient of -1, i.e., a phase ambiguity of 180 degrees). The ratio T A / R A can be measured at the factory or during maintenance. In addition to transmitters i = 1,..., N102a, the following calibration devices can be used: calibration receiver A 104b (for measuring m iA ), calibration receiver B 104c (for measuring m iB and m AB ) and calibration transmitter A 102b co-located with calibration receiver A 104b (for measuring m AB ). In this method, calibration transmitter B 102c and receiver i = 1,..., N 104a may not be required.

[0198] Alternatively or additionally, T iC can be determined based on Equation (12) instead of Equation (11) according to the second method:

[0199]

[0200] Therefore, the transfer function T iA , m iB , m BA and the ratio T B / R B can be calculated from the three measured transfer functions m iC (with a coefficient of -1, i.e., a phase ambiguity of 180 degrees). The ratio T B / R BIt can be measured at the factory or during maintenance. In addition to the transmitters i = 1, …, N102a, the following calibration equipment may be required: a calibration receiver A 104b (for measuring m iA and m BA ), a calibration receiver B 104c (for measuring m iB ), and a calibration transmitter B 102c co-located with the calibration receiver B 104c (for measuring and m BA ). In this method, the calibration transmitter A 102b and the receivers i = 1, …, N 104a may not be required.

[0201] The first and second TX ONLY methods can be used in combination: Use the first method and the second method to extract T iC twice. The final value of T iC can be obtained by these two methods, for example, by taking the average. Thus, more accurate and reliable results can be obtained. In this method, the calibration receivers A 104b and B 104c and the calibration transmitters A 102b and B 102c are used, but the receivers i = 1, …, N 104a may not be required.

[0202] For RX ONLY:

[0203] m Ai = T A (f) M iA (f) R iC (f) (9)

[0204] m Bi = T B (f) M iB (f) R iC (f) (10)

[0205] m AB = T A (f) M iA (f) M iB (f) R B (f) (11)

[0206] m BA = T B (f) M iB (f) M iA (f) R A (f) (12)

[0207] Multiply Equation (9) and Equation (10) and solve for R iC 2 , and we get:

[0208]

[0209] R iC It can be determined according to the first method based on Equation (11):

[0210]

[0211] Therefore,

[0212]

[0213] Therefore, the transfer function R can be calculated from three measured transfer functions m Ai 、m Bi 、m AB and the ratio R B / T B (with a coefficient of -1, i.e., a phase ambiguity of 180 degrees). This ratio R iC / T B / T B can be measured at the factory or during maintenance. In addition to receivers i = 1,…, N104a, the following calibration equipment can be used: calibration transmitter A102b (for measuring m Ai and m AB ), calibration transmitter B 102c (for measuring m Bi ) and calibration receiver B 104c (for measuring m AB ). In this method, it may not be necessary to calibrate receiver A 104b and transmitter i = 1,…, N 102a.

[0214] Alternatively or additionally, R iC can be determined according to the second method based on Equation (12) instead of Equation (11):

[0215]

[0216] Therefore, the transfer function R can be calculated from three measured transfer functions m iA 、m iB 、m BA and the ratio T A / R A (with a coefficient of -1, i.e., a phase ambiguity of 180 degrees). This ratio T iC / R A / R A can be measured at the factory or during maintenance. In addition to receivers i = 1,…, N, the following calibration equipment may also be required: calibration transmitter A102b (for measuring m iA and m BA ), calibration transmitter B 102c (for measuring m iB ) and calibration receiver A 104b (for measuring and mBA )。In this method, it may not be necessary to calibrate receiver B 104c and transmitters i = 1, …, N 102a.

[0217] Transceiver A and / or B can be a calibrated transceiver and / or a transceiver with predetermined characteristics or a transceiver with a predetermined T / R ratio.

[0218] The first and second RX ONLY methods can be used in combination: Use the first method and the second method to extract R iC twice, and the final value of R iC can be obtained by these two methods, for example, by taking the average. Thus, more accurate and reliable results can be obtained. In this method, calibrated receivers A 104b and B 104c and calibrated transmitters A 102b and B 102c are used, but it may not be necessary to use transmitters i = 1, …, N 102a.

[0219] Figure 5 Fig. shows a phased array device 100 including a single calibration line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. To calibrate the phased array device 100, the single calibration line can be coupled (e.g., tightly coupled) to all antenna elements on the entire antenna array 101 through a coupling structure 103. The coupling structure 103 can include a coupler 103a for coupling the calibration line to the first node 102a of the transmit circuit and / or the third node 104a of the receive circuit. The coupling structure 103 can include additional couplers for coupling the calibration line to the first node 102a of the transmit circuit and / or the third node 104a of the receive circuit, or to another first node of the transmit circuit and / or another third node of the receive circuit.

[0220] Calibration can be determined by measuring the signals at two edges of the calibration line. External probes may not be necessary. Manufacturing uncertainties can be reduced through two common reference channels from calibrated transmitters A / 102b and B 102c to calibrated receivers B 104b and A 104c, respectively. The couplers that are very close to or adjacent to the antenna elements can be the same or very similar to each other.

[0221] It is assumed that calibrated receivers and / or transmitters A 102b, 104b and B 102c, 104c are pre-known or calibrated (e.g., they can be test equipment or embedded transceivers that have been previously measured).

[0222] Calibration can be mainly used to equalize the phase / amplitude offsets of the antenna elements. However, calibration measurements can also be used for other purposes, such as detecting a fault in a channel (high attenuation from the corresponding channel relative to other channels).

[0223] The relative channel response of each channel can be calculated by solving equations (1) to (6) as shown above.

[0224] The damage relative to each feeder can be measured twice: one measurement of the transmitted signal can be performed at port A 102b and one measurement at port B 102c. To eliminate the uncertainty of the calibration line itself, additional measurements of the signal directly from port A 102b to port B 104c (and / or vice versa) may be required. The calibration of the calibration receiver 104a for each i-th channel can be performed in a dual manner: two measurements of the receiver 104a for each feeder are performed from the signals injected into calibration ports A 104b and B 104c and are measured at the calibration receiver 104a for each i-th channel; additional measurements of the signal directly from port B 102c to port A 104b (and / or vice versa) can be used to eliminate the uncertainty of the calibration line itself.

[0225] Figure 6 A phased array device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The calibration line can be divided into a plurality of parallel calibration line core segments, a calibration line start segment, and a calibration line end segment, as Figure 6 shown. The division of the calibration line can be based on a trade-off between simplicity of implementation, cost, and calibration line loss. The calibration line start segment can connect the calibration transceiver A 102b and the calibration receiver A 104b to the plurality of calibration line core segments. The calibration line end segment can connect the calibration transceiver B 104b and the calibration receiver B 104b to the plurality of calibration line core segments. Each calibration line core segment in the plurality of calibration line core segments can include a coupler 103a and can be connected or connectable to an antenna in the antenna array 101 and the calibration transmitter 102a and / or the calibration receiver 104a of the corresponding channel through the coupler 103a.

[0226] The phased array device 100 can include two switches (denoted as SP4T in Figure 6 ), for connecting the calibration line start segment and the calibration line end segment to one calibration line core segment in the plurality of calibration line core segments respectively. Thus, two channels can be formed for each of two or more antennas in the antenna array 101.

[0227] Figure 7 An exemplary coupling structure 103 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Two or more couplers of the coupling structure 103 can be integrated in a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB).

[0228] Another implementation can be based on a purely mechanical distribution of signals (beamforming network).

[0229] Figure 8 An exemplary implementation of the coupling structure 103 in a machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0230] Figures 9 to 12 Experimental results obtained by comparing the traditional "near-field scanning probe method" and "two-port calibration method" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0231] Figure 9 A probability density function of errors associated with the calibration of the phased array device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0232] The phase imbalance and amplitude loss caused by each of two or more couplers can be pre-determined and / or substantially equal, such that after calibrating the phased array device 100, when the corresponding signals associated with the antennas in the antenna array 101 are compared with each other in the frequency range of 25 GHz to 30 GHz, the standard deviation (STD) of the amplitude difference is less than 0.6 dB, and / or the standard deviation of the phase difference is less than 4.11°.

[0233] Figure 10 An exemplary radiation performance and numerical comparison of HFSS (high-frequency structure simulator) simulations of the phased array device 100, near-field scanning probe, and boresight radiation pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0234] Therefore, the phased array device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be more efficient.

[0235] Figure 11 An exemplary radiation performance and numerical comparison of HFSS simulations of the phased array device 100, near-field scanning probe, and 45° deflected radiation pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0236] Therefore, the phased array device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be more efficient.

[0237] Figure 12 The coupler discreteness of the phased array device 100 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0238] The remaining error in the calibration of the phased array device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be due to the differences between two or more couplers generated during manufacturing.

[0239] The phased array device 100 may include a controller. The controller may be a processor.

[0240] Generally, a processor can be used to perform, conduct, or initiate various operations of the phased array device 100 described herein. The processor can include hardware and / or can be controlled by software. The hardware can include analog circuits or digital circuits, or both analog and digital circuits. The digital circuits can include components such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable arrays (FPAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or general-purpose processors. The phased array device 100 can also include a memory circuit that stores one or more instructions executable by the processor (specifically, under the control of software). For example, the memory circuit can include a non-transitory storage medium that stores executable software code, and when the processor executes the executable software code, the executable software code causes the phased array device 100 to perform various operations. In one embodiment, the phased array device 100 can include one or more processors and a non-transitory memory connected to the one or more processors. The non-transitory memory can carry executable program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the phased array device 100 to perform, conduct, or initiate the operations or methods described herein.

[0241] Generally, the phased array device 100 includes: an antenna array 101 including two or more antennas; a receiving circuit 104; a coupling structure 103; and a transmitting circuit 102 connected to or connectable to the receiving circuit 104 through the coupling structure 103, wherein the receiving circuit 104 and / or the transmitting circuit 102 is connected to or connectable to the antenna array 101.

[0242] Figure 13 Method 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 200 can be executed by the phased array device 100. Method 200 includes step 202, where the receiving circuit 104 receives one or more RF signals from the transmitting circuit 102 through the coupling structure 103. In addition, method 200 includes step 203 of calibrating the transmitting circuit 102 based on the one or more RF signals 105 received by the receiving circuit 104. In addition, method 200 can include step 201, where the transmitting circuit 102 generates RF signals for driving the antenna array 101.

[0243] Figure 14Method 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 300 may be performed by phased array device 100. Method 300 includes step 302, where transmission circuit 102 transmits one or more RF signals 105 to reception circuit 104 via coupling structure 103. In addition, method 300 includes step 303 of calibrating reception circuit 104 based on one or more RF signals 105 received by reception circuit 104 from transmission circuit 102. In addition, method 300 includes step 301, where reception circuit 104 receives radio frequency (RF) signals from antenna array 101.

[0244] The present disclosure has been described in connection with various embodiments and implementations by way of example. However, those skilled in the art can understand and obtain other variations by practicing the claimed subject matter, studying the drawings, the present disclosure, and the independent claims. In the claims and the specification, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. Stating certain measures in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used effectively.

Claims

1. A phased array device (100) for transmitting radio frequency (RF) waves, characterized in that, The phased array device (100) includes: An antenna array (101), including two or more antennas (101a, 101d); A transmitting circuit (102), connected to or connectable to the antenna array (101), and configured to generate an RF signal for driving the antenna array (101); A coupling structure (103); A receiving circuit (104), connected to or connectable to the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103), and configured to receive one or more RF signals (105) from the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103); Wherein, the phased array device (100) is configured to calibrate the transmitting circuit (102) based on the one or more RF signals (105) received by the receiving circuit (104) from the transmitting circuit (102).

2. The phased array device (100) according to claim 1, wherein The transmitting circuit (102) includes a first node (102a), which is connected to or connectable to an antenna (101a) in the antenna array (101), and is configured to provide an RF signal for driving the antenna (101a), The first node (102a) is connected to or connectable to the coupling structure (103).

3. The phased array device (100) according to claim 2, wherein It includes a feeder (106a) from the first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) to the antenna (101a), Wherein, the coupling structure (103) includes a coupler (103a) connected to the feeder (106a).

4. The phased array device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The receiving circuit (104) includes a first node (104b), which is connected to or connectable to the first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103), and is configured to receive an RF signal from the first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103).

5. The phased array device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, For: Determine the value of the transfer function m based on the RF signal received at the first node (104b) of the receiving circuit (104) from the first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) iA value Calibrate the transmitting circuit (102) based on the value of the transfer function m iA .

6. The phased array device (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein The receiving circuit (104) includes a second node (104c), which is connected to or connectable to the first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103), and is configured to receive an RF signal from the first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103).

7. The phased array device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, For: Determine a transfer function m based on the RF signal received at a second node (104c) of the receiving circuit (104) from a first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) iB ; Calibrate the transmitting circuit (102) based on the value of the transfer function m iB .

8. The phased array device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein The transmitting circuit (102) includes a second node (102c) that is connected to or connectable to a first node (104b) of the receiving circuit (104) for transmitting an RF signal to the first node (104b) of the receiving circuit (104).

9. The phased array device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that For determining a transfer function m based on the RF signal received at a first node (104b) of the receiving circuit (104) from a second node (102c) of the transmitting circuit (102) BA .

10. The phased array device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, it includes: a feeder (106a) from a first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) to the antenna (101a), a signal line (107) from a second node (102c) of the transmitting circuit (102) to a first node (104b) of the receiving circuit (104), wherein the coupling structure (103) includes a coupler (103a) that connects the feeder (106a) to the signal line (107).

11. The phased array device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that a second node (104c) of the receiving circuit (104) is connected to or connectable to a first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) through: the coupler (103a) and a portion of the signal line extending from the coupler (103a) towards the second node (102c) of the transmitting circuit (102).

12. The phased array device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second node (104c) of the receiving circuit (104) is co-located with the second node (102c) of the transmitting circuit (102) at a common location and is connected to or connectable to a first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit (102) through: the coupler (103a) and a portion of the signal line extending from the coupler (103a) to the common location.

13. The phased array device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the signal line (107) includes a transmission line or a waveguide.

14. The phased array device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that calibrating the transmitting circuit (102) includes: adjusting the phase and / or gain of the RF signal provided by the first node (102a) of the transmitting circuit for driving the antenna (101a).

15. The phased array device (100) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the coupling structure (103) includes a plurality of couplers arranged on the signal line, and each coupler is connected to a feeder of a corresponding antenna in the antenna array (101).

16. The phased array device (100) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the receiving circuit (104) is connected to or connectable to the antenna array (101) and is configured to receive an RF signal from the antenna array (101).

17. A phased array device (100) for receiving RF waves, characterized in that, The phased array device (100) includes: an antenna array (101) including two or more antennas (101a, 101d); A receiving circuit (104), connected to or connectable to the antenna array (101), and configured to receive RF signals from the antenna array (101); A coupling structure (103); A transmitting circuit (102), connected to or connectable to the receiving circuit (104) through the coupling structure (103), and configured to transmit one or more RF signals (105) to the receiving circuit (104) through the coupling structure (103); Wherein, the phased array device (100) is configured to calibrate the receiving circuit (102) based on the one or more RF signals (105) received by the receiving circuit (104) from the transmitting circuit (104).

18. The phased array device (100) according to claim 17, wherein The receiving circuit (104) includes a third node (104a), the third node (104a) is connected to or connectable to an antenna (101a) in the antenna array (101), and is configured to receive RF signals from the antenna (101a), The third node (104a) is connected to or connectable to the coupling structure (103).

19. The phased array device (100) according to claim 18, wherein It includes a feeder (106a) from the antenna (101a) to the third node (104a) of the receiving circuit (104), Wherein, the coupling structure (103) includes a coupler (103a) connected to the feeder (106a).

20. The phased array device (100) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein The transmitting circuit (102) includes a third node (102b), the third node (102b) is connected to or connectable to the third node (104a) of the receiving circuit (104) through the coupling structure (103), and is configured to transmit RF signals to the third node (104a) of the receiving circuit (104) through the coupling structure (103).

21. The phased array device (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that, For: Determine the value of the transfer function m based on the RF signal received at the third node (104a) of the receiving circuit (104) from the third node (102b) of the transmitting circuit (102) Ai of the value Calibrate the receiving circuit (104) based on the value of the transfer function m Ai .

22. The phased array device (100) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein The transmitting circuit (102) includes a second node (102c), the second node (102c) is connected to or connectable to the third node (104a) of the receiving circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103), and is configured to transmit RF signals from the second node (102c) of the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103).

23. The phased array device (100) according to claim 22, wherein, For: Determine a transfer function m based on the RF signal received at a third node (104a) of the receiving circuit (104) from a second node (102c) of the transmitting circuit (102) Bi ; Calibrate the receiving circuit (104) based on the value of the transfer function m iB .

24. The phased array device (100) according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein Calibrating the receiving circuit (102) includes: Adjusting the phase and / or gain of the RF signals received by the third node (104a) of the receiving circuit (102) from the antenna (101a).

25. The phased array device (100) according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein The transmitting circuit (102) is connected to or connectable to the antenna array (101), and is configured to transmit RF signals to the antenna array (101).

26. A method (200) of operating a phased array device (100) for transmitting radio frequency (RF) waves, characterized in that, The phased array device (100) comprises: An antenna array (101) including two or more antennas; A transmitting circuit (102) connected to or connectable to the antenna array (101); A coupling structure (103); A receiving circuit (104) connected to or connectable to the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103); Wherein, the method comprises: The receiving circuit (104) receives (202) one or more RF signals (105) from the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103), Calibrates (203) the transmitting circuit (102) based on the one or more RF signals (105) received by the receiving circuit (104).

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The method further comprises: The transmitting circuit (102) generates (201) RF signals for driving the antenna array (101).

28. A method (200) of operating a phased array device (100) for receiving radio frequency (RF) waves, characterized in that, The phased array device (100) comprises: An antenna array (101) including two or more antennas; A receiving circuit (104) connected to or connectable to the antenna array (101); A coupling structure (103); A transmitting circuit (102) connected to or connectable to the receiving circuit (104) through the coupling structure (103); Wherein, the method comprises: The receiving circuit (104) receives (202) one or more RF signals (105) from the transmitting circuit (102) through the coupling structure (103), Calibrates (203) the receiving circuit (102) based on the one or more RF signals (105) received by the receiving circuit (104).

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The method further comprises: The receiving circuit (102) receives (201) RF signals from the antenna array (101).

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