Antenna Array Calibration via Integrated Transceiver Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wideband communication systems, such as LTE, face challenges in antenna calibration due to mechanical and electrical variations in RF components, leading to differences in transfer functions between antenna branches, which affect antenna gain and require accurate calibration to compensate for amplitude, time, and phase deviations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for active antenna array beam calibration using directional couplers and/or radio frequency probes integrated within the transceiver front end unit, where calibration signals are driven to the antenna array feeder line, and measurements are taken between different antenna combinations to calculate and apply calibration information, enabling self-calibration without external antennas or reflective elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If antenna calibration is performed using external antennas or reflective elements, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from external components and integrates it into the transceiver front end unit. By taking out the calibration signal generation and measurement functions from external antennas and incorporating them internally, the system achieves calibration capability without requiring external calibration equipment, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the same transceiver front end unit for both normal signal processing and calibration operations. The directional couplers and measurement circuits serve dual purposes: they are part of the regular signal path during operation and enable calibration measurements when activated, eliminating the need for separate dedicated calibration hardware
2Measurement precision
If antenna calibration is performed using external antennas or reflective elements, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration function with the existing transceiver front end unit structure. By combining calibration signal generation, signal distribution via directional couplers, and measurement capabilities into the already-manufactured transceiver unit, the system eliminates the need for separate external calibration antennas and reflective elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver front end unit performs calibration on itself by generating calibration signals internally and measuring them through its own directional couplers and measurement circuits. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external calibration equipment, reducing both manufacturing cost and deployment complexity
3Device complexity
If beam forming algorithms assume identical transfer functions for each transceiver chain, then system complexity is reduced, but antenna gain accuracy deteriorates due to RF component variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements before beam forming operations. The calibration process characterizes the actual transfer functions of each RF transceiver chain in advance, capturing amplitude, time, and phase deviations. These pre-measured calibration parameters are then stored and applied during beam forming to compensate for RF component variations, enabling accurate beam forming without requiring complex real-time measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A method for antenna calibration is disclosed, the method including driving calibration signals for antenna array beam calibration to an antenna array feeder line in a transceiver front end unit by using one or more directional couplers and/or radio frequency probes, wherein calibration signal paths are integrated inside the transceiver front end unit. Measurements are carried out on the calibration signals, between different antenna combinations inside the antenna array. Based on collected measurement data, calibration information is calculated for each measurement branch of the antenna array by using a mathematical formula. Active antenna array beam calibration is then performed based on the calculated calibration information.