Antenna Array Cross Coupling Compensation via Pre-calculated Coefficients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna arrays face significant performance impairments due to cross coupling effects, which are difficult to accurately determine and compensate for, leading to residual impairments and design compromises that impact critical specifications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting compensating signals, which are a linear combination of data signals weighted by cross coupling coefficients, to recapture theoretically calculated null positions, using a multiplexing block, measurement antennas, and a processor to adjust these coefficients and minimize power received at theoretical null points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If antenna elements are spaced closer together to reduce transceiver size, then the transceiver size is reduced, but cross coupling effects between antenna elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by calculating cross coupling coefficients between antenna elements in advance during the design phase. These coefficients are used to pre-determine compensation signals that counteract the harmful cross coupling effects before they degrade the antenna array performance. The compensation signals are injected into the antenna elements to neutralize the mutual coupling effects, allowing close spacing without performance penalty.
2Loss of time
If conventional approximation methods are used to account for mutual coupling, then design time is reduced, but residual mutual coupling impairments remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual antenna array performance and using these measurements to refine the cross coupling coefficients. The system continuously monitors the antenna array behavior and adjusts the compensation signals based on the measured performance, ensuring that the coefficients accurately reflect the real-world coupling effects. This feedback loop eliminates residual impairments that would otherwise remain with approximation methods.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If design variables are adjusted to account for mutual coupling, then cross coupling effects are reduced, but critical antenna specifications are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing cross coupling coefficients as new adjustable parameters in the antenna array design. Instead of modifying physical design variables like element spacing or geometry, the system changes the signal parameters by injecting compensation signals with specific amplitudes and phases determined by the calculated coefficients. This allows coupling reduction without compromising manufacturing specifications.
4Measurement precision
If direct measurement of mutual coupling is attempted, then accurate coupling coefficients can be obtained, but the measurement process becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by measuring the overall antenna array performance indirectly rather than directly measuring coupling between individual elements. The system measures the radiated fields and received signals at various positions and uses these measurements to calculate the cross coupling coefficients through signal processing. This intermediary measurement method achieves accurate coefficient determination without the complexity of direct coupling measurements.
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 effectively compensates for cross coupling effects, reducing design time and allowing for better optimization of antenna array attributes like cost and manufacturability, while accounting for mutual coupling and other phenomena, resulting in predictable performance.
Implementation Method 1
Mutual coupling is an electromagnetic phenomenon which occurs between spatially close electromagnetic radiating elements. When an antenna element transmits an electromagnetic signal, resonating neighboring elements (or columns) radiate energy according to the transmitted signal.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for removing cross coupling effects between elements of an antenna array (110) are provided. Cross coupling coefficients between all pairs of antenna elements of the antenna array are predetermined to minimize a total power in theoretical null points calculated without considering the cross element effects. A transceiver (100) includes a multiplexing block (105) configured to receive data signals to be transmitted via the antenna elements and to output to at least one of the antenna elements, a sum signal including (i) a data signal, which data signal is designated for the at least one antenna element, and (ii) a linear combination of data signals designated for other antenna elements of the antenna array, each of the data signals in the linear combination being weighted by a respective cross coupling coefficient between the at least one antenna element and an antenna element emitting the each of the data signals.