Antenna Calibration Signal Distribution via Direct Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beamforming antenna systems face challenges in calibrating signals due to the need for multiple transitions, which lead to unwanted mismatch effects, increased complexity, and additional costs, especially at higher frequencies, as conventional calibration methods involve numerous transitions that result in unwanted emissions and require expensive RF connectors.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that minimize transitions by generating a calibration signal at one radio sub-unit, transmitting it through a radio front-end, and directly providing it to the coupling and distribution layer of an adjacent sub-unit, bypassing the calibration module to reduce the number of transitions and emissions, using a power combiner and divider configuration to combine and split signals efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional calibration methods with multiple transitions are used, then signal distribution between antenna ports is achieved, but unwanted mismatch effects and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary transition points from the signal path by implementing a direct coupling between antenna ports and the calibration module. The calibration module is directly coupled to receive signals from specific antenna ports without requiring intermediate transitions, thereby eliminating the harmful mismatch effects and emissions associated with each transition point while maintaining calibration functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transitions are used for signal distribution, then calibration coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the antenna array into multiple groups, where each group can be independently calibrated through direct coupling to the calibration module. This allows comprehensive calibration coverage across all antenna ports while maintaining a simple distribution structure, as each segment can be calibrated individually without requiring complex interconnections between all ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration module is designed with universal functionality to handle signals from multiple antenna ports through direct coupling. The module can calibrate different antenna ports and groups using the same direct-coupling interface, eliminating the need for separate transition structures for each port and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive calibration capability.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple transitions are used for calibration signal distribution, then signal reach is improved, but unwanted emissions and shielding requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary transition points from the signal path by implementing direct coupling between antenna ports and the calibration module. This extraction of transition elements eliminates the source of unwanted emissions at each transition point, reducing electromagnetic interference and shielding requirements while maintaining adequate signal distribution reach through the direct coupling path.
4Reliability
If conventional distribution structures with many transitions are used, then signal coverage is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary transition components from the distribution structure by implementing direct coupling. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs by removing expensive RF connectors and transition structures, while the direct coupling path maintains adequate signal coverage for calibration purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards unnecessary transition elements and intermediate distribution components that do not contribute to essential calibration functionality. By eliminating these redundant elements, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced while the core signal coverage and calibration capability are preserved through the simplified direct-coupling architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method of calibrating signals in an antenna array includes generating a calibration signal at a first radio sub unit (RSU), transmitting the calibration signal through a transmission path of a radio front end (RFE) of the first RSU, and receiving the calibration signal in a coupling and distribution layer of the first RSU. The method further includes providing the calibration signal from the coupling and distribution layer of the first RSU directly to a coupling and distribution layer of a second RSU, and processing the calibration signal at the second RSU.