Antenna Array Phase Verification Using Power Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems face challenges in monitoring beam patterns and phase errors, which can lead to performance degradation and increased size, cost, power, and weight, particularly in AESA-based systems, necessitating a method for in-situ, real-time phase monitoring and self-calibration.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates power sensors integrated with phase shifters to detect power associated with power amplifier circuits, allowing for phase parameter calculation and verification, enabling real-time monitoring and self-healing of phase shifter operations within the antenna array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional beam pattern monitoring techniques are used, then beam parameters can be verified, but system size, cost, power consumption, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing power sensors to monitor beam patterns through self-service monitoring. The power sensors, already present for amplifier monitoring, are repurposed to detect beam pattern deviations, eliminating the need for separate measurement circuitry and achieving autonomous system verification
Solution Approach 2:
Existing power sensors serve dual functions: monitoring amplifier power consumption and detecting beam pattern characteristics. This multi-functionality allows beam parameter verification without adding dedicated measurement devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining verification capability
2Measurement precision
If conventional beam pattern monitoring techniques are used, then beam parameters can be verified, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification using existing power sensors, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated beam monitoring equipment. The power sensors already installed for amplifier monitoring are utilized to detect beam pattern characteristics, reducing overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
Power sensors perform multiple functions including amplifier power monitoring and beam pattern detection. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and system cost by eliminating the need for separate beam monitoring circuitry
3Measurement precision
If conventional beam pattern monitoring techniques are used, then beam parameters can be verified, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing power sensors that already consume power for amplifier monitoring to perform beam pattern verification as well. This self-service approach avoids adding new power-consuming measurement circuitry, maintaining efficient power usage while enabling verification
4Measurement precision
If conventional beam pattern monitoring techniques are used, then beam parameters can be verified, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs beam verification using existing power sensors without adding weight. The power sensors, already present for amplifier monitoring, are utilized to detect beam patterns, eliminating the need for additional measurement hardware and associated weight
Solution Approach 2:
Power sensors serve dual purposes of power monitoring and beam pattern detection, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing system weight
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method verifies phase shifter operation in an antenna array system. The system can include and the method can use a number of antenna elements, and a number of phase shifters. Each of the phase shifters is associated with the respective antenna element of the antenna elements and may include a power amplifier circuit. The system also can include and the method can also use a number of power sensors in communication with the phase shifters. Each of the phase shifters can be associated with a respective power sensor and the power sensor can be configured to detect power associated with the power amplifier circuit.