Antenna Array Calibration via Amplitude-Only Interference Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for antenna arrays require complex and costly measurement systems, resulting in long measurement times and high hardware costs due to the need for precise phase and amplitude measurements of each individual antenna channel.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system that modifies input signals using operating parameters, generates measuring signals, and uses a power meter and evaluation device to determine interference signals, allowing for calibration without phase measurement, reducing hardware costs and measurement time, and featuring adjustable amplitude and phase settings, movable measuring antennas, and optimization calculations for increased accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex measurement systems are used to measure phase and amplitude of each individual antenna channel, then calibration accuracy is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the phase measurement function from the calibration system. Instead of measuring both phase and amplitude as in conventional systems, the invention only measures amplitude using a power meter, thereby removing the need for complex phase measurement hardware while maintaining calibration capability through amplitude-only measurements combined with position information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex phase and amplitude measurement equipment with a simple, inexpensive power meter that only measures amplitude. This substitution uses a low-cost device to achieve the necessary measurement function, significantly reducing hardware costs while maintaining adequate calibration accuracy
2Measurement precision
If complex measurement systems are used to measure phase and amplitude of each individual antenna channel, then calibration accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the phase measurement step from the calibration process and relying solely on amplitude measurements combined with position information, the patent significantly reduces the time required for calibration while maintaining adequate accuracy through the simplified measurement approach
3Measurement precision
If phase measurement is performed for each antenna, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely extracts and removes the phase measurement function from the calibration system. The invention demonstrates that calibration can be achieved using only amplitude measurements from a power meter combined with position information, eliminating the need for phase measurement hardware and simplifying the overall system
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
Significantly reduces hardware costs and measurement time while achieving accurate calibration of antenna arrays by determining operating parameters based on interference signals and position information, enhancing calibration accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring antenna (10), which is adapted to receive a second measuring signal composed of a signal emitted by the first antenna (11) or the first antenna group and a signal emitted by the second antenna (12) or the second antenna group
Implementation Method 2
a power meter, connected to the measuring antenna, adapted to measure the power of the second measuring signal
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring system for calibrating an antenna array is provided. A parameter setting unit modifies an input signal of a first antenna or a first antenna group, using operating parameters. A signal generator generates a first measuring signal and provides it to the parameter setting unit and to a second antenna or a second antenna group of the antenna array. A measuring antenna receives a second measuring signal composed of a signal emitted by the first antenna or first antenna group and a signal emitted by the second antenna or second antenna group. A power meter measures the power of the second measuring signal. An evaluation device determines a measured interference signal from the measured power of the second measuring signal, and preferably also determines the operating parameters used by the parameter setting unit based upon the measured interference signal and position information.