Antenna Array Calibration Using On-Board Receiver Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna array calibration methods in wireless communication face challenges such as phase distortions, interference with normal traffic signals, non-compliance with standards, and complexity in processing requirements, particularly in multi-standard base stations, which affect signal quality and network capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize normal outbound traffic signals for calibration, converting them into parallel baseband signals, and then serializing these signals to provide feedback for impairment correction in separate transmit paths, eliminating the need for special calibration signals and allowing real-time, scalable calibration within the radio unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If special calibration signals are injected into the transmit path for antenna array calibration, then phase and amplitude distortions can be corrected, but normal outbound traffic signals are interrupted and degraded, negatively impacting network capacity and data throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the outbound traffic signals serve dual purposes: normal data transmission and calibration reference signals. By using the same traffic signals for both communication and calibration, the system eliminates the need for separate calibration signals, thereby avoiding interruption of normal traffic while still enabling accurate phase and amplitude distortion correction
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own outbound traffic signals as the reference for calibration, rather than requiring external or dedicated calibration signals. The traffic signals themselves provide the reference information needed to measure and correct transmit path impairments, making the calibration process self-sufficient and independent of separate calibration infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If special calibration signals are used for calibration in multi-standard base stations, then calibration can be performed, but standards non-compliance and regulatory requirement violations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal calibration approach that works across multiple communication standards by using outbound traffic signals that are already compliant with various standards. This multi-functional calibration method eliminates the need for standard-specific calibration signals, ensuring compliance with multiple standards and regulatory requirements simultaneously
3Reliability
If transmission power is increased to compensate for phase distortions, then signal reception and decoding improve, but system load increases, reducing power available for other wireless devices and causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary correction to the transmit path impairments before signal transmission, by adjusting the phase and amplitude of outbound traffic signals based on measured distortions. This pre-correction ensures that signals are transmitted with proper characteristics, eliminating the need for compensatory power increases and avoiding the associated energy loss and interference problems
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing feedback for cancellation of signal impairment in a plurality of separate transmit paths of a transmitter are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a plurality of outbound signals transmitted to the antenna array, the received outbound signals having traversed separate transmit paths of the transmitter. The method also includes converting the plurality of received outbound signals to a corresponding plurality of parallel baseband signals. The corresponding plurality of parallel baseband signals are serialized into a serial feedback signal.