Phased Array Antenna Calibration via Near-Field Probe Position Error Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods for phased array antennas in 5G communications systems are costly and inefficient due to the need for large, high-precision equipment like gantries and turntables, which are unsuitable for production use and fail to effectively compensate for amplitude and phase deviations caused by device position errors.
Innovation Solution
A calibration method and system using a small-sized setup with multiple probes within the medium-near field distance to determine and compensate for position errors of antenna groups, calculating phase and amplitude compensation values to ensure consistent signal transmission without requiring expensive high-precision equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe is provided at a far-field boundary for calibration, then amplitude and phase of phased array antenna can be calibrated, but the system becomes large in volume and high in costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from far-field calibration (one-dimensional distance extension) to near-field calibration (three-dimensional spatial compression). By placing probes close to the antenna array in the near-field region, the system achieves accurate amplitude and phase calibration without requiring large far-field distances, thus reducing system volume while maintaining calibration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple probes to measure and determine position errors of antenna groups, creating a computational model that copies the electromagnetic field behavior. This allows the system to calculate compensation values without physically moving to far-field conditions, reducing the physical space required while achieving equivalent calibration results.
2Measurement precision
If high-precision gantry and turntable are used for calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but costs increase, volume increases, and calibration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the antenna array to self-calibrate by using its own antenna groups as signal sources and multiple probes as measurement devices. The system automatically determines position errors, calculates compensation values, and adjusts amplitude and phase without requiring external high-precision gantry or turntable equipment, thereby improving calibration efficiency and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical calibration systems (gantry and turntable) with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system using multiple probes and computational algorithms. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical positioning equipment, reducing both volume and cost while improving calibration speed and efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If high-precision gantry and turntable are used for calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calibration system into independent antenna groups and separate probe measurement units. Each antenna group can independently transmit signals, and each probe independently measures electromagnetic fields. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high-precision calibration through coordinated measurement and computation without requiring complex integrated mechanical systems like gantry and turntable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional calibration system where antenna groups serve dual purposes as both signal sources and measurement targets, and probes perform multiple measurement functions. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated high-precision mechanical positioning equipment, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining calibration accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If far-field boundary calibration is used, then amplitude and phase calibration is achieved, but the calibration system becomes costly and large in volume making it unsuitable for production use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses relatively simple and inexpensive probe devices positioned in the near-field region instead of expensive far-field measurement equipment. These probes can be easily manufactured and deployed, enabling cost-effective calibration suitable for production environments without requiring large-scale facilities or high-precision mechanical systems.
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
This approach reduces costs and facilitates extensive deployment by accurately calibrating amplitude and phase consistency of phased array antennas using existing devices, ensuring performance without the need for high-precision scanning apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a first device including N antenna groups... for each of the N antenna groups, compensating for a phase result that is obtained by a target probe by measuring a signal transmitted by the antenna group
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present application relate to the communications field and disclose a calibration method and a communications device, capable of compensating for measured amplitude and phase results, thereby reducing costs while ensuring performance of a phased array antenna, and facilitating extensive deployment of a calibration system. The method is applied to an antenna array amplitude-phase calibration system, where the antenna array amplitude-phase calibration system includes a first device, a second device, and a third device, the first device includes N antenna groups, and the second device includes at least three probes. The method includes: determining, by the third device, a position error of each of the N antenna groups; determining an actual position of the antenna group based on a target position of the antenna group and the position error of the antenna group, and determining a phase compensation value and/or an amplitude compensation value of the antenna group for a target probe of the second device based on the actual position of the antenna group; and finally compensating, based on the phase compensation value and/or the amplitude compensation value of the antenna group, for a phase result and/or an amplitude result that are/is obtained by the target probe of the second device by measuring a signal transmitted by the antenna group.