Calibrating Analog Phased Antenna Array Phase-Dependent Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating analog phased antenna arrays fail to account for phase-dependent errors, leading to deviations in the intended radiation pattern due to layout and circuit imperfections, affecting overall coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that selectively turn on antennas in an array, measure power at each phase, and estimate gain errors to adjust the phase array codebook, accounting for phase-dependent errors by using a controller and power meter to measure and correct for impairments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If typical calibration methods (rotating-element electric field vector method or phase toggle method) are used, then calibration can be performed when errors are independent of phase, but these methods fail to account for phase-dependent errors in analog beamforming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the calibration method adaptive to different phase conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the calibration approach based on whether errors are phase-independent or phase-dependent, allowing the same calibration framework to handle both scenarios effectively through conditional measurement and estimation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by measuring power at multiple different phases for each antenna. By varying the phase parameter and observing power changes, the system can detect and estimate phase-dependent gain errors that would be invisible to traditional single-phase calibration methods
2Manufacturing precision
If phase array codebook is designed for ideal array, then theoretical performance can be achieved, but layout and circuit imperfections cause unknown phase error and gain error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements before actual operation. The system pre-characterizes each antenna's gain and phase errors across different phases, storing this calibration data for later use during normal operation to compensate for manufacturing imperfections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measured power values to estimate errors and then applying corrections to the phase array codebook. The calibration process creates a feedback loop where measurement results directly inform correction actions, improving the reliability of the radiation pattern
3Device complexity
If errors are independent of applied phases, then simple calibration methods can be used, but in analog beamforming errors are dependent on phases applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by measuring power at a selected number of phases rather than all possible phases. This selective measurement approach reduces complexity while still providing sufficient data to estimate phase-dependent errors accurately, avoiding the need for exhaustive measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus are provided. The method includes (a) turning on an antenna of an antenna array, wherein other antennas of the antenna array are turned off; (b) measuring power for the antenna at each phase of a phase array; (c) repeating step (b) for each antenna of the antenna array; and (d) estimating gain errors based on the measured power for each antenna of the antenna array at each phase of the phase array.