Antenna Array Receiver Calibration via Interference Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining interference-resistant calibration of radio-frequency (RF) and analog front-end electronics in antenna-array based receivers, particularly due to manufacturing tolerances, environmental factors, and operational changes, which affect gain and phase accuracy and require ongoing compensation.
Innovation Solution
An interference-mitigating receiver calibration method that calibrates subsets of antenna paths simultaneously while using complementary antennas to cancel interference, allowing for reduced calibration latency and improved accuracy by partitioning the frequency band into smaller subbands and employing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) to optimize STAP beamformer performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used to maintain gain and phase accuracy, then calibration precision can be achieved, but the system requires taking the DF system out of service and performing labor-intensive calibration flights
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using its own transmitted signals and received calibration data to automatically update gain and phase corrections without external intervention or taking the system out of service
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from received calibration signals and measured performance data to continuously adjust and update calibration parameters, enabling ongoing compensation without interrupting operations
2Measurement precision
If the array DF manifold is updated frequently to account for drift, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the calibration process becomes more complex and requires additional resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs calibration updates using its own operational signals and embedded sensors, eliminating the need for complex external calibration equipment and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts calibration parameters based on measured environmental conditions and performance drift, updating only the necessary parameters rather than performing complete recalibration
3Productivity
If calibration is performed in the presence of interference, then operational continuity is maintained, but calibration accuracy deteriorates due to interference signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes interference components from calibration measurements using signal processing techniques, isolating the calibration signals from interfering transmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses known calibration signals as intermediaries to distinguish between actual calibration responses and interference, enabling accurate calibration in the presence of other transmissions
4Ease of manufacture
If manual calibration procedures are used, then initial setup can be completed, but ongoing maintenance becomes labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration using embedded processors and sensors, eliminating the need for manual intervention in ongoing maintenance while keeping initial setup straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with automated electronic calibration using digital signal processing and software-based adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for performing interference-resistant calibration and compensation of radio-frequency (RF) and analog front-end electronics of antenna-array based receivers during active operation. Examples of systems and methods are described herein that may provide interference-resistant calibration maintenance and ongoing compensation for changing gain and phase in receiver front-end electronic components, due to manufacturing tolerances and operational and environmental factors such as variations in temperature, humidity, supply voltage, component aging, connector oxidation, mechanical stresses and vibration, and/or maintenance operations such as sparing and swapping of cables, front-end electronics modules, and/or associated circuitry.