Antenna Array Phase Difference Measurement in 3D Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of array elements in an antenna array increases, the complex interactions between elements affect phase differences, impacting wireless communication performance, and existing methods only measure phase differences in limited dimensions, such as one angle or two-dimensional planes, which is insufficient for maintaining phase consistency across the array.
Innovation Solution
A phase difference measurement and compensation method that obtains three-dimensional space far-field phase data for each array element, allowing for the determination of phase differences in a three-dimensional solid angle space, enabling flexible phase compensation across different dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of array elements in the antenna array increases, then the coverage and communication capability are improved, but the phase difference between elements becomes more complex and harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures and compensates phase differences by changing the parameter of phase alignment across multiple array elements. By systematically measuring phase differences between reference elements and other elements, and applying compensation values, the system maintains consistent phase relationships despite having many elements, thus resolving the complexity issue while preserving the benefit of increased element count.
2Measurement precision
If existing measurement methods are used (MIMO probe or far-field microwave anechoic chamber), then phase difference can be measured in specific directions, but the measurement is limited to one angle or two-dimensional plane only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional (single angle) or two-dimensional (plane) measurement to three-dimensional measurement by introducing elevation angle in addition to azimuth angle. The measurement system now covers the entire spherical space around the antenna array, allowing phase differences to be measured in all directions (360° azimuth × 180° elevation), thus adding a spatial dimension to the measurement capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If phase compensation is performed only at specific angles or planes, then the measurement process is simple, but the phase consistency across the entire array cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into systematic segments: selecting reference array elements, measuring phase differences between reference elements and other elements at multiple angles, organizing measurements by azimuth and elevation angles, and applying compensation values. This segmented approach maintains procedural simplicity while ensuring comprehensive phase consistency across the entire three-dimensional array structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a phase difference measurement method and system for an antenna array, and a phase compensation method and system for an antenna array. The antenna array includes at least two array elements. The phase difference measurement method includes: measurement is performed to obtain a three-dimensional space far-field phase data set of each array element in an antenna array; a three-dimensional solid angle space is determined, and three-dimensional space far-field phase data of each array element is acquired from the three-dimensional space far-field phase data set, wherein the three-dimensional space far-field phase data of each array element corresponds to the three-dimensional solid angle space, of each array element in the antenna array; and with a three-dimensional space far-field phase data of a first array element in the antenna array as a reference, a phase difference between other array element and the first array element is obtained.