Antenna Array Self-Calibration via Common Path Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna array calibration methods are inadequate for active arrays, as they either require external equipment for offline calibration or introduce errors with additional circuitry, which are exacerbated by the number of antennas and paths, leading to decreased transceiver performance due to phase shifts and time delays.
Innovation Solution
A self-calibration scheme for antenna arrays that uses a calibration network, data capturing mechanism, and algorithms to compute transceiver calibration parameters in real-time, ensuring synchronized phase, time, and amplitude across all transceivers, reducing errors and enabling accurate beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuitry is included with the antenna array for calibration, then calibration capability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to additional error in calculating parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from dedicated hardware circuitry and implements it through signal processing algorithms instead. By removing the need for additional calibration circuitry and using mathematical computations on received signals, the system achieves calibration capability without introducing hardware-related parameter calculation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical calibration circuitry with computational methods. Instead of using additional hardware components to perform calibration, the system uses signal processing algorithms that compute calibration parameters mathematically, thereby eliminating the source of hardware-induced errors while maintaining calibration functionality.
2Productivity
If the number of antennas and antenna paths is increased, then transceiver performance is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exponentially increasing calibration error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-calibration mechanism where the antenna array calibrates itself using signals received from external sources without requiring external calibration equipment. This self-service approach allows the system to maintain calibration accuracy regardless of the number of antennas, as each antenna's parameters are determined independently through algorithmic computation rather than being propagated from a reference point.
3Manufacturing precision
If offline calibration using external equipment is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to limited applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the antenna array to perform self-calibration using standard operational signals without requiring external calibration equipment or specialized procedures. This makes calibration as easy as normal operation, eliminating the need for separate calibration steps while maintaining high accuracy through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the calibration system universal by enabling it to work with any antenna configuration and in various operational modes without requiring specialized equipment. The same signal processing algorithms can be applied regardless of the number of antennas or the specific application scenario, making the system broadly applicable and easy to operate.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for calibrating an antenna array. The apparatus includes first and second couplers, a calibration transceiver, and a controller. The first coupler operably is connected to a first number of antennas. The second coupler is operably connected to a second number of antennas. The calibration transceiver is operably connected to the first and second couplers via a common path. The controller is configured to perform calibration on at least one or more transmit/receive paths for the second number of antennas based on at least one or more signals received from or transmitted to the first and second couplers via the common path by the calibration transceiver. The first and second numbers of antennas may each include only one antenna, or the first and second numbers of antennas may each be a group of multiple antennas.