Antenna Array Calibration via Passive Element Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna array calibration methods are complex and time-consuming, requiring multiple measurement antennas and equipment, which complicates the process and prolongs the calibration time.
Innovation Solution
An antenna array with a combination of active and passive antennas, where passive antennas surround the active ones to create uniform radiation patterns, allowing for calibration using a single stationary measurement antenna, reducing the need for extensive equipment and simplifying the calibration process by assuming all active antennas have the same radiation pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple stationary probes or measurement antennas are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by designing all active antennas to have identical radiation patterns through uniform structural design and consistent electrical parameters. This allows a single measured radiation pattern to be universally applied to all active antennas, eliminating the need for multiple measurement probes and simplifying the calibration system while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by measuring the radiation pattern of one representative active antenna and using this measured pattern as a template for all other active antennas. This single measurement is copied and applied universally, replacing the need for multiple independent measurements with multiple probes, thus reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement antennas are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the radiation pattern of active antennas during the design and manufacturing phase, ensuring all active antennas have identical patterns before deployment. This preliminary standardization eliminates the need for time-consuming individual calibration measurements of each antenna, reducing calibration time while maintaining measurement precision through the use of the pre-established radiation pattern model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by taking a single radiation pattern measurement and applying it to all active antennas simultaneously during calibration. This eliminates the sequential measurement process that would require multiple probes and extensive time, as the same validated pattern is copied across all antennas, dramatically reducing calibration time while preserving accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If passive antennas are added to uniformize radiation patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using passive antennas to create a uniform electromagnetic environment around all active antennas. The passive antennas are distributed to ensure each active antenna experiences the same surrounding conditions, thereby uniformizing radiation patterns across the array. This structural homogeneity achieves manufacturing precision in radiation pattern consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses passive antennas as intermediaries that mediate the electromagnetic interaction between active antennas and the surrounding environment. These passive elements modify and uniformize the radiation patterns of active antennas without requiring complex active control mechanisms, achieving precision through passive structural arrangement rather than complex active regulation.
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 approach simplifies and accelerates the calibration of the antenna array by ensuring all active antennas have the same radiation pattern, reducing calibration time and equipment requirements, while maintaining precise control over phase and amplitude settings.
Implementation Method 1
each antenna of the plurality of active antennas has a radiation pattern... the passive antennas are arranged such that the radiation patterns of the active antennas located at the periphery of the inner portion are altered by the passive antennas
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array has plurality of active antennas and passive antennas, wherein the passive antennas being arranged such that the radiation patterns of the active antennas adjacent to the passive antennas match the radiation pattern of the active antennas adjacent only to other active antennas. Further, a calibration system and a method for calibrating an antenna array are shown.