Array Antenna Phase Adjustment via Calibration Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional array antennas face challenges in accurately adjusting the relative phases of transmission signals due to delay errors caused by signal cables, which are difficult to absorb and correct using phase shifters, especially when treating analog signals continuously on a time axis.
Innovation Solution
An array antenna system that includes a transmission unit for pulse-modulated digital signals and adjustment units, such as buffers or phase adjusters, to accurately adjust the clock timings and phases of pulse signals, allowing for precise alignment of relative phases of analog transmission signals, even in the presence of delay errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If phase shifters are used to adjust the relative phases of analog transmission signals, then the directivity of the transmission signals can be adjusted, but delay errors caused by signal cables cannot be accurately corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring delay errors in advance using a calibration signal before actual transmission. The measured delay errors are stored and used to pre-correct the phase adjustment values, allowing phase shifters to accurately compensate for both cable delays and directivity requirements without requiring real-time analog signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a calibration signal that copies the structure and propagation path of actual transmission signals to measure delay errors. By using this copy signal to characterize the cable delays, the system can then apply the measured corrections to all subsequent transmissions without needing to continuously monitor actual signal phases.
2Productivity
If analog transmission signals are processed continuously on a time axis, then real-time transmission can be achieved, but delay errors become difficult to absorb and correct
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs delay error measurement and correction value calculation in advance using calibration signals, storing these correction values for later use. This preliminary action allows continuous real-time transmission without requiring real-time delay measurement, maintaining high productivity while achieving precise correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic calibration by transmitting calibration signals at predetermined intervals to update delay error measurements. This periodic action maintains accuracy over time while allowing continuous data transmission in between calibration cycles, balancing precision requirements with transmission productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An array antenna system 3 includes: a transmission unit 14 to which a plurality of pulse signals are given, the pulse signals being obtained by pulse-modulation of digital transmission signals, and including analog transmission signals corresponding to the digital transmission signals, the transmission unit 14 being configured to transmit, as radio signals, the plurality of analog transmission signals included in the plurality of pulse signals; and a plurality of adjustment units 15 configured to perform, for the plurality of pulse signals to be given to the transmission unit 14, an adjustment process for adjusting the relationship of relative phases of the plurality of analog transmission signals included in the plurality of pulse signals.