Array Antenna Alignment Measurement Using UAV Phase Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the alignment of array antenna systems, such as manual visual inspection and GNSS-based electronic sensors, are costly and prone to interference, failing to provide accurate and efficient orientation detection, especially in remote or hard-to-reach locations, which can degrade system performance and disturb other systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to transmit signals to an array antenna system, allowing a control unit to determine the antenna orientation by analyzing phase differences between detected signals, error angles, and UAV position information, thereby enabling optimal communication network operation while minimizing disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual visual inspection or GNSS-based electronic sensors are used to detect antenna orientation changes, then orientation monitoring capability is provided, but the system becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a UAV as an intermediary carrier that transports a portable radio frequency sensor to the measurement location. The UAV flies to positions within the antenna coverage area and transmits reference signals, allowing the sensor to measure phase differences without requiring complex fixed infrastructure or multiple GNSS receivers at the antenna site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems (multiple GNSS receivers with phase shifters) with a simplified system using a portable radio frequency sensor mounted on a UAV. The measurement is achieved through signal phase difference analysis rather than mechanical positioning sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If GNSS-based electronic sensors are deployed to monitor antenna orientation, then orientation detection is enabled, but manufacturing cost and deployment cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing communication infrastructure (the array antenna system itself) to provide the measurement function. The portable sensor on the UAV communicates with the antenna system using standard radio frequency signals, and the antenna system's own control unit processes the measurement data, eliminating the need for separate expensive monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable radio frequency sensor serves multiple functions: it acts as a signal transmitter, a phase measurement device, and a positioning reference. The UAV platform provides both transportation and a stable mounting platform for the sensor, combining multiple functions into a single integrated solution that reduces overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If multiple GNSS receivers with separated antennas are used for phase difference measurement, then orientation calculation is achieved, but the system becomes susceptible to interference from neighboring base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex multi-receiver GNSS system and implements it using a single portable radio frequency sensor. By using a single sensor that measures phase differences of signals from the array antenna elements, the system eliminates the interference problems associated with multiple receivers operating at neighboring frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the array antenna system's own transmitted signals as the measurement reference, rather than external GNSS signals. The portable sensor copies and measures the phase characteristics of the downlink signals from the antenna elements, creating a measurement system that is inherently immune to interference from neighboring base stations since it uses the target system's own signals.
4Power
If complex array antenna geometries are deployed for 5G MIMO and beamforming, then desired link budget is achieved, but alignment accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous orientation measurement feedback to the control unit, which can then adjust the antenna element phase shifts to compensate for orientation changes. The control unit receives real-time phase difference measurements from the portable sensor and recalculates the optimal beamforming weights to maintain accurate beam pointing despite geometric changes or misalignments.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and efficient method for measuring antenna alignment, ensuring optimal system performance and avoiding interference with other systems by accurately determining antenna orientation using UAV signals and phase differences, thus maintaining intended coverage areas.
Implementation Method 1
In at least one UAV position rUAV, a signal is transmitted to the array antenna by means of the UAV antenna arrangement, the signal comprising UAV position information
Implementation Method 2
The control unit is adapted to detect signals corresponding to the received signal at the antenna ports, and to determine a determined array antenna orientation by means of determined phase differences between the detected signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system (1) for measurement of antenna alignment of an array antenna system (2) used for wireless communication. The array antenna system (2) has an antenna position (A) relative a first coordinate system (18) and comprises a control unit (3) and an array antenna (4) having an antenna aperture plane (19), a certain coverage (5) and an initial array antenna orientation (B). The array antenna (4) further comprises a plurality of antenna elements (6) and at least two antenna ports (7, 8, 9, 10), each antenna port (7, 8, 9, 10) being connected to a corresponding subarray (11, 12, 13, 14), each subarray (11, 12, 13, 14) comprising at least one antenna element (6). The system (1) comprises the array antenna system (2) and an unmanned aerial vehicle (15). UAV, arranged to be deployed in the coverage (5) and comprising a UAV antenna arrangement (16) and a positioning module (17) that is adapted to provide UAV position information (C) relative the first coordinate system (18). In at least one UAV position (C), the UAV (15) is adapted to transmit a UAV signal to the array antenna (4) by means of the UAV antenna arrangement (16), the UAV signal comprising the UAV position information (C). The control unit (3) is adapted to detect signals corresponding to the received UAV signal at the antenna ports (7, 8, 9, 10), and to determine a determined array antenna orientation (D) by means of determined phase differences between the detected signals, the antenna position (A), the initial array antenna orientation (B) and the UAV position information (C).