Antenna Gain Self-Calibration Without Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna units require complex and costly systems for signal transmission and control, necessitating data exchange for gain adjustments, which complicates operation and increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A self-calibrating antenna unit with a control device and adjustable signal strength adjustment, using a calibration signal to determine and adjust the gain factor independently, eliminating the need for data transmission with the signal-providing unit and simplifying the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If data transmission interfaces and control signals are added to adjust gain factor, then the antenna unit can be calibrated, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegain factor calibrationVSAvoidsignal transmission system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna unit performs self-calibration by using its own transmitted signal as the calibration signal. The control signal is generated locally within the antenna unit based on the detected signal strength, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment and complex data transmission interfaces. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by achieving precise calibration without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If data transmission interfaces are added for gain adjustment, then calibration is possible, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegain factor calibrationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna unit uses its own transmitted signal for calibration purposes, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment and complex data transmission interfaces. This self-service mechanism achieves precise gain factor calibration while maintaining simple hardware architecture, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If signal transmission from antenna unit to signal-providing unit is required, then gain factor can be adjusted, but the system becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegain factor adjustmentVSAvoidsignal processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna unit generates and processes its own calibration signals locally, using the signal strength detected from its transmitted signal to control the gain factor. This eliminates the need for complex bidirectional signal transmission and processing between the antenna unit and signal-providing unit, achieving ease of operation while reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the signal-providing unit controlling the gain factor through data transmission, the antenna unit autonomously adjusts its own gain factor based on locally detected signal strength. This inverted control approach simplifies the system by eliminating complex communication interfaces while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12003260B2Antenna unit, transmission system and method for operating an antenna unit
Publication Date: 2024.06.04 MOLEX INC
  • US12003260B2 patent drawing
  • US12003260B2 patent drawing
  • US12003260B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna unit is configured to transmit and/or receive signals and is connected to transmitting/receiving unit via a signal cable. A control device is configured to adjust signal strength by modifying gain of the control device. A calibration signal is provided by the transmitting/receiving unit and the signal strength of the calibration signal is used to adjust the gain of the control device.