Electronically Steered Antenna Calibration Using On-Chip Phase Offsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active electronically steered antenna systems face challenges in correcting systematic errors due to array-level variations, which affect beam characteristics such as phase and gain, requiring continuous calibration and hardware modifications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of on-chip programming using a beam-forming integrated circuit with trim control, phase control, and gain control circuits, coupled with an array calibration memory that stores phase and gain offsets, allows for real-time correction of systematic errors by modifying signal phases and gains based on calibration vectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic calibration and hardware modifications are used to correct systematic errors, then beam characteristic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction vectors in lookup tables during the manufacturing process. These correction vectors compensate for systematic errors caused by array-level variations before the antenna system enters operation. During runtime, the system simply retrieves and applies the pre-computed corrections based on measured beam characteristics, eliminating the need for complex real-time calibration hardware and periodic recalibration procedures.
2Device complexity
If on-chip programming with lookup tables is used to store correction vectors, then calibration complexity is reduced, but integrated circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calibration hardware and external processing systems with an integrated electronic solution. Lookup tables storing correction vectors are directly programmed into the integrated circuit's memory structures, and digital signal processing elements within the chip automatically apply corrections. This substitution of mechanical/external calibration systems with integrated electronic storage and processing reduces overall system complexity while the memory area required for lookup tables is a manageable trade-off.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for performing correction of systematic error for electronically steered antennas using on-chip programming. A plurality of channels includes a first channel. Each channel is coupled to a respective antenna element and includes a trim control circuit and a phase control circuit. The first channel is coupled to a first respective antenna element. An array calibration memory stores a plurality of phase offsets including a first phase offset. Each phase offset includes an array level calibration phase offset corresponding to a respective channel. The first phase offset corresponds to the first channel. At least one of the trim control circuit and the phase control circuit of the first channel are configured to modify phase of a first signal provided to and/or received from the first respective antenna element. The phase of the first signal is modified based at least in part on the first phase offset.