Antenna Array Calibration via Near-Field Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna array systems face challenges in dynamic calibration and self-healing, particularly in field environments, due to environmental changes and component aging, which affect performance and lead to increased mean time between failures (MTBF) and reduced availability.
Innovation Solution
An antenna array system with near-field probes (NFPs) and a processor that dynamically switches between operational and calibration modes, allowing for real-time calibration and adjustment of signal reception and transmission parameters, including amplitude, phase, and time delay, to maintain optimal performance despite environmental changes and component degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If near field radiative measurements are used for AESA calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but test equipment expense and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces near-field probes as intermediary devices that enable calibration measurements in the near-field region without requiring complex far-field anechoic chambers. The probes act as mediators between the AESA elements and the measurement system, allowing accurate calibration data collection with simpler, more compact equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional far-field calibration (spatial dimension) to near-field calibration (proximity dimension). By performing measurements in the near-field region close to the AESA elements, the system achieves accurate calibration without requiring large distant measurement spaces and complex far-field test equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If static calibration is performed in lab environment, then calibration is accomplished, but the system cannot adapt to operational parameters changes and environmental stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the calibration system from static (one-time lab calibration) to dynamic (continuous in-situ calibration). The near-field probes remain positioned near the AESA elements during operation, enabling real-time monitoring and calibration adjustments that adapt to changing operational parameters, temperature variations, and environmental stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where near-field probes continuously measure the electromagnetic fields generated by AESA elements, and the system uses this feedback information to detect performance degradation, diagnose failures, and trigger recalibration operations to maintain optimal performance throughout the system's operational life.
3Reliability
If in-situ calibration is implemented, then system availability and MTBF are improved, but calibration process complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the AESA system to perform self-diagnosis and self-calibration operations using integrated near-field probes. The system automatically detects performance degradation, identifies failing elements, and executes calibration procedures without requiring external intervention or complex manual calibration equipment, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through automation.
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
Enables in-situ calibration and self-healing of antenna arrays, improving mean time between failures (MTBF) and system availability by dynamically adjusting parameters to compensate for environmental and operational stresses, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
In the RX calibration sub-mode, the processor can cause the at least one NFP to transmit a first calibration signal and, responsive to the first calibration signal, the processor can receive a first receive (RX) signal from the array of antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array system can comprise an array of antenna elements, a near-field probe (NFP) arranged in a vicinity of the antenna elements, and a processor coupled to the array of antenna elements and to the NFP. The processor can be configured to dynamically switch the antenna array system, while deployed on an operational platform, from an operation mode to a calibration mode, and calibrate the array of antenna elements according to a receive (RX) calibration sub-mode or a transmit (TX) calibration sub-mode. In the RX calibration sub-mode, the processor can be configured to adjust at least one signal reception parameter associated with at least one receiving antenna element of the array of antenna elements. In the TX calibration sub-mode, the processor can be configured to adjust at least one signal transmission parameter associated with at least one transmitting antenna element of the array of antenna elements.