Antenna Calibration via Beat Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibration methods for millimeter wave communication systems, such as those using near-field probes or lookup tables, are inefficient and require specialized laboratories or excessive computing resources, especially when dealing with large numbers of antenna units.
Innovation Solution
An antenna device and method that utilizes a control circuit to calibrate pairs of antenna units based on the beat frequency of a frequency-modulated continuous-wave signal, allowing for on-line calibration without the need for extensive voltage measurements or specialized locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods using near-field probes are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring specialized laboratories and limited sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a probe as an intermediary element that enables calibration through beat frequency measurement. The probe receives signals from antenna units and converts them into measurable beat frequencies, serving as a mediator between the antenna units and the calibration process. This allows calibration to be performed without complex near-field probe setups while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical calibration system (near-field probes requiring specialized laboratories) with an electromagnetic field-based system using beat frequency measurement. By substituting the physical measurement approach with frequency-domain analysis, the system eliminates the need for specialized calibration laboratories while maintaining calibration accuracy.
2Reliability
If lookup table calibration method is used with large number of antenna units, then comprehensive calibration can be achieved, but the productivity deteriorates due to excessive computing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the calibration parameter from voltage measurements across multiple phases (requiring exhaustive lookup tables) to beat frequency measurements. By transforming the calibration parameter from time-domain voltage to frequency-domain beat frequency, the system achieves comprehensive calibration with significantly reduced computational operations, improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing exhaustive voltage measurements at every different phase for each antenna unit, the patent uses a simplified beat frequency measurement approach that achieves sufficient calibration accuracy with partial measurements. This selective measurement strategy reduces computing operations while maintaining calibration completeness.
3Quantity of substance
If millimeter wave communication systems use high frequency signals, then bandwidth for communication is improved, but the loss of energy worsens due to severe attenuation of wave energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into multiple antenna units that work together in a phased array configuration. By dividing the single high-frequency signal path into multiple parallel paths with individual phase control, the system achieves beamforming that concentrates energy in specific directions, reducing overall energy loss while maintaining high bandwidth capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna units into a unified beamforming system where signals from individual units are merged constructively in the desired direction. By merging the energy from multiple antenna elements through coherent combining, the system compensates for high frequency attenuation while preserving the bandwidth advantages of millimeter wave communication.
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 efficient calibration of antenna units in real-time, reducing computational load and allowing calibration to be performed at any site with background noise, thereby improving communication efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A control circuit is coupled to an antenna array, and calibrates the antenna units according to a beat frequency of a signal corresponding to a first distance
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device and a method for calibrating an antenna device are provided, and the method includes: transmitting or receiving a signal by a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit; receiving the signal from the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit or transmitting the signal to the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit by a probe, wherein the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit are at a first distance from the probe respectively; and calibrating the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit according to a beat frequency of the signal corresponding to the first distance.