Antenna Calibration via Over-the-Air MC-CDMA Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna calibration methods, such as hardware-based and cascading calibration, are costly, complex, and prone to errors due to stringent hardware requirements and cumbersome setup, making them difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
An improved antenna calibration method using multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) to generate test signals, which are transmitted over-the-air (OTA) for simultaneous calibration of multiple antennas, eliminating the need for extra hardware and reducing setup complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware-based calibration or cascading calibration is used, then calibration can be performed, but the system becomes costly and complex with stringent hardware requirements and cumbersome setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based calibration mechanisms with a software-defined radio (SDR) based calibration system. Instead of using dedicated calibration hardware and fixtures, the invention uses software-controlled signal generation and processing to perform calibration, thereby reducing physical complexity while maintaining calibration functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is integrated into the existing antenna calibration system and can calibrate multiple antenna elements simultaneously using a single test signal. The SDR platform provides multi-functionality by serving both as a signal generator and signal analyzer, eliminating the need for separate dedicated calibration equipment for each antenna element
2Reliability
If hardware-based calibration or cascading calibration is used, then calibration can be performed, but the cost increases due to stringent hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes expensive dedicated calibration hardware with a software-defined radio platform that can be implemented using standard off-the-shelf components. This replacement dramatically reduces the cost of calibration equipment while maintaining the ability to perform accurate calibration through software-based signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single test signal that is copied and distributed to multiple antenna elements for calibration. Instead of requiring separate calibration equipment for each antenna, the same test signal is reused across multiple channels, reducing the overall cost of the calibration system
3Reliability
If traditional calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but errors occur due to cumbersome setup and operator mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically generating test signals, receiving the signals from multiple antenna elements, and processing the received signals to determine calibration parameters. This automated self-service approach eliminates the need for manual setup and operation by technicians, thereby reducing human error while maintaining calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the received test signals to automatically adjust and determine calibration parameters. The calibration process incorporates feedback loops where the received signals are correlated with the transmitted test signals, and calibration parameters are automatically updated based on this feedback, eliminating manual intervention and reducing operational errors
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for antenna calibration for an active antenna system is disclosed. According to an embodiment, test signals are generated for multiple antennas of the active antenna system. The test signals are transmitted via the multiple antennas. A first signal that results from the transmission of the test signals is received over the air. A second signal is received from a coupler network of the active antenna system. The coupler network is configured to generate coupled signals of the test signals and combine the coupled signals into the second signal. Calibration information for compensating an influence of the coupler network is determined based on the first and second signals. An active antenna system is also disclosed for use in antenna calibration.