Array Antenna Calibration via Trigger Signal Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating array antennas are inefficient and complex, requiring the construction of a collection circuit at each antenna input port, which prolongs the calibration process and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where a detected apparatus connects to the array antenna, sends a detection signal, and a trigger signal to a detection apparatus, allowing the detection apparatus to determine the connected antenna and calibrate the array antenna without the need for a collection circuit at each input port, simplifying the calibration process and reducing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a collection circuit is constructed at each antenna input port to collect calibration signals, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity and calibration time increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration signal collection function from individual antenna circuits and consolidates it into a single detection apparatus. Instead of having collection circuits at each antenna port, the system uses one detection apparatus that receives calibration signals from antennas sequentially through switching, thereby eliminating complex multi-point collection circuitry while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as a signal collector, an error analyzer, and a calibration controller all in one device. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate collection circuits at each antenna, reducing overall system complexity while preserving measurement precision through centralized signal processing.
2Measurement precision
If collection circuits are established at each antenna port, then signal error can be detected accurately, but calibration time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process uses periodic action by sequentially switching between different antennas to send calibration signals to the single detection apparatus. Instead of simultaneous multi-point measurement which requires complex circuits, the system performs time-division multiplexed measurement, achieving accurate error detection across all antennas through sequential periodic sampling.
3Device complexity
If a single detection apparatus is used to receive calibration signals from multiple antennas, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching mechanism as an intermediary between multiple antennas and the single detection apparatus. This mediator directs calibration signals from different antennas to the detection apparatus in sequence, allowing the single detector to accurately measure signals from multiple sources without cross-interference, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a method, an apparatus, and a system for calibrating an array antenna, and relates to the field of wireless communications technologies. The method includes: connecting, by a detected apparatus, to an antenna in the array antenna, and sending a detection signal to a detection apparatus by using the connected antenna; and sending, by the detected apparatus, a trigger signal to the detection apparatus when the detected apparatus connects to the antenna, where the trigger signal includes information indicating that the detected apparatus switches the connected antenna. By using the solution in embodiments of this application, after the detection apparatus receives the trigger signal, the detection apparatus can determine the antenna connected when the detected apparatus sends the trigger signal, receive the detection signal sent by the connected antenna, and therefore, can calibrate the array antenna based on the detection signal sent by the detected apparatus. A collection circuit does not need to be constructed at an input port of each antenna in the array antenna, therefore, array antenna calibration complexity is decreased, and a time for constructing the collection circuit in an array antenna calibration process is reduced, thereby improving array antenna calibration efficiency.