Large Antenna Array Calibration with Orthogonal Coupling Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating large antenna array radio systems, such as 5G base stations, are inefficient and require anechoic test chambers or dedicated coupler elements, making them time-consuming and costly, while also being sensitive to temperature variations and aging effects.
Innovation Solution
A self-calibration method using known mutual couplings between antenna elements, where orthogonal test signals are simultaneously transmitted and received to compute amplitude and phase calibration values, eliminating the need for anechoic chambers or dedicated couplers and reducing calibration time significantly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing calibration methods using anechoic test chambers are used, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but calibration time becomes very long and cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array performs self-calibration by having transmit antenna elements transmit test signals and receive antenna elements receive and measure these signals. The system uses its own resources (antenna elements, transceivers) to perform calibration without requiring external test chambers or dedicated calibration equipment, thereby dramatically reducing calibration time and cost while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements serve dual functions: they act as both transmit elements and receive elements during calibration. The same antenna array hardware used for normal communication operations is also used for calibration measurements, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment and reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If existing calibration methods using dedicated coupler elements are used, then calibration can be performed, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the dedicated coupler elements and anechoic test chamber requirements from the calibration system. By using only the existing antenna elements and transceivers, the solution eliminates unnecessary components and reduces system complexity while maintaining calibration functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The same antenna elements and transceiver components used for normal communication operations are utilized for calibration purposes. This multi-functional use of hardware eliminates the need for dedicated calibration equipment, reducing device complexity and cost
3Measurement precision
If traditional calibration procedures are used, then calibration can be completed, but the process is very time consuming requiring stepwise transmission from each antenna element
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple calibration measurements are merged into simultaneous operations. Multiple transmit antenna elements transmit test signals at the same time, and multiple receive antenna elements perform measurements concurrently. This parallel processing approach dramatically increases calibration efficiency compared to traditional stepwise methods
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process maintains continuous useful action by having multiple transmit and receive operations occurring simultaneously rather than sequentially. The system continuously performs measurements across multiple antenna elements in parallel, maximizing the utilization of available hardware resources and minimizing total calibration time
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 enables efficient and cost-effective calibration of large antenna arrays, reducing calibration time by a factor of ten and allowing for real-time adjustments to temperature and aging effects, thereby improving the stability and performance of 5G radio systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of combined receive signals are received via the plurality of receive antenna elements, respectively, during the simultaneous transmission of the plurality of orthogonal test signals via the plurality of transmit antenna elements due to electromagnetic coupling (simply referred to herein as 'coupling') between the plurality of receive antenna elements and the plurality of transmit antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing efficient antenna calibration that are particularly beneficial for a radio system having a large antenna array are disclosed.