Active Antenna System Calibration Using Reference Branches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration and maintenance of active antenna systems with a large number of transceiver branches are time-consuming and costly, leading to increased failure rates due to the need for extensive factory testing and calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating active antenna systems by designating a subset of transceiver branches as reference branches, allowing for automated calibration of the remaining branches without a factory test bench, and enabling onsite self-testing and maintenance to reduce production and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all transceiver branches are calibrated and tested individually in the factory using a test bench, then calibration accuracy and reliability are ensured, but calibration time and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calibration process into two segments: (1) calibration of a reference transceiver branch using the factory test bench, and (2) calibration of remaining branches by comparing their performance against the reference branch. This segmentation reduces the number of branches requiring individual test bench calibration from N to 1, significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining reliability through comparative measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference transceiver branch as an intermediary standard for calibrating other branches. Instead of directly comparing all branches to absolute factory standards, each branch is calibrated relative to the reference branch, which itself is calibrated against factory standards. This intermediary approach enables scalable calibration with reduced time requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of transceiver branches is increased to enhance system capability, then system performance improves, but the overall fail rate increases due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service calibration where the active antenna system calibrates itself by comparing transceiver branch performance. The system includes calibration functionality that automatically identifies and compensates for branch performance variations, reducing reliance on extensive factory testing and enabling the system to maintain reliability as it scales to more branches.
3Reliability
If extensive factory testing and calibration are performed on all transceiver branches, then initial reliability is ensured, but production costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration responsibility between factory processes (calibrating reference branches) and field processes (calibrating remaining branches against reference). This reduces factory production complexity and shifts calibration burden to the field, where automated self-calibration capabilities handle the majority of branches without requiring expensive test benches.
4Measurement precision
If traditional factory calibration methods are used for each transceiver branch, then accurate calibration is achieved, but the need for service technicians and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive self-service calibration and maintenance capabilities. The system can automatically detect calibration drift, identify problematic branches through performance comparison, and perform recalibration without service technician intervention. This maintains calibration accuracy while dramatically reducing maintenance costs and the need for specialized service personnel.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating an active antenna system (AAS). The AAS comprises a radio unit and an antenna array. The radio unit comprises a plurality of transceiver branches. The method comprises calibrating at least one, but less then all, out of the plurality of transceiver branches as reference branch or branches. The method further comprises calibrating non-calibrated transceiver branch or branches out of the plurality of transceiver branches while the antenna array and the radio unit are connected. The disclosure further relates to a method for onsite automatic maintenance of an active antenna system, and to an active antenna system.