Active Antenna Near-Field Phase Measurement via Reference Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active antenna systems (AAS) pose challenges in determining the phase information required for near-field-far-field transformation, especially when the AAS acts as a receiver, due to inaccessible RF connections and temperature drifts, making it difficult to measure phase accurately across all solid angles without cooperation from the manufacturer.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a reference antenna and a signal generator to determine the phase and magnitude of signals received by an active antenna by transmitting and receiving signals from both antennas, allowing for phase and amplitude adjustments to calculate the phase difference and magnitude, enabling independent measurement without manufacturer cooperation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If near-field measurement is performed on active antenna systems, then measurement independence from manufacturer cooperation is improved, but phase information extraction capability deteriorates due to inaccessible RF connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference antenna as an intermediary element that receives copies of the transmitted signals. By measuring the phase difference between signals received at the reference antenna and the active antenna, the system can determine phase information without direct access to the active antenna's RF connections. The reference antenna acts as a mediator that enables phase measurement through indirect comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical/RF connection access with a wireless electromagnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of mechanically or electrically accessing the RF connections inside the active antenna system, the solution uses electromagnetic signal transmission and reception through space, substituting physical connection requirements with field-based measurements.
2Measurement precision
If phase measurement is performed across all solid angles, then measurement completeness is improved, but temperature drift impact worsens due to extended measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the transmitted signal path by using a reference antenna that receives the same signals as the active antenna. By measuring the phase difference between the original signal (received by active antenna) and the copied signal (received by reference antenna), the system can determine absolute phase information. This copying approach enables complete angular measurement while providing a stable reference for temperature compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the phase difference measured between the reference antenna and active antenna is used to compensate for temperature drift effects. The reference antenna provides a stable reference signal that feeds back into the measurement system, allowing real-time correction of phase measurements affected by temperature variations during extended measurement periods.
3Measurement precision
If signal transmission power is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then phase determination accuracy is improved, but interference with other devices worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by transmitting signals only in the specific angular directions being measured, rather than omnidirectional transmission. The signal transmission is focused and selective, providing sufficient power for accurate phase measurement in the current measurement direction while minimizing overall RF interference to other devices in the environment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate determination of phase and magnitude for active antenna systems acting as receivers, allowing for reliable near-field-far-field transformations across all solid angles, independent of manufacturer cooperation and temperature drifts, using a combination of signal transmission and reception techniques.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting one or more signals and simultaneously measuring the power of these signals; simultaneously transmitting one or more signals via the transmitting antenna and the reference antenna, generating superimposed signals
Implementation Method 2
simultaneously transmitting one or more signals via the transmitting antenna and the reference antenna, generating superimposed signals
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining the magnitude and phase of a signal received by the active antenna (3). The method comprises the following steps: ST1: Transmission (S1) of the transmit signal by the at least one transmitting antenna (6) and acquisition (S1_1) of a power value of the transmitted signal received by the active antenna (3); ST2: Transmission (S2) of the transmit signal by the reference antenna (2) and acquisition (S2_1) of a power value of the transmitted signal received by the active antenna (3); ST3: Simultaneous transmission (S3) of the transmit signal via the at least one transmitting antenna (6) and the reference antenna (2), generating superimposed transmit signals, and acquisition (S3_1) of a power value of the superimposed transmit signals received by the active antenna (3).A sequence of at least three process steps (ST1, ST2, ST3) is carried out in any order and with any combination, including multiple executions of at least one process step (ST1, ST2, ST3), wherein the sequence of at least three process steps (ST1, ST2, ST3) always includes process step ST3 at least once.