Array Communication Device Phase Calibration

Solution Overview

Problem

Array communication devices with bi-directionally configured amplifiers face challenges in simultaneous transmission and reception, preventing the use of loopback for phase calibration between arrays.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a plurality of array units connected to a common signal processing unit, with first and second directional couplers for signal branching/merging, and phase comparison means for calibrating phases using a phase reference signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If bi-directionally configured amplifiers are used to share amplifiers between transmission and reception, then device size is reduced, but simultaneous transmission and reception cannot be performed and loopback for phase calibration is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsimultaneous transmission and reception capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier is divided into multiple independent amplifier units, each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows different amplifier units to handle transmission and reception operations simultaneously, enabling full-duplex communication while maintaining the bi-directional configuration benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A phase calibration unit is introduced as an intermediary component that enables phase calibration between arrays by utilizing the bi-directional amplifier configuration. This intermediary unit facilitates the calibration process without requiring separate dedicated amplifiers for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If bi-directionally configured amplifiers are used, then device size is reduced, but phase calibration between arrays cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidphase calibration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A phase calibration unit is introduced as an intermediary component that enables phase calibration between arrays by utilizing the bi-directional amplifier configuration. This intermediary unit facilitates the calibration process without requiring separate dedicated amplifiers for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the phase calibration unit continuously monitors and adjusts phase differences between arrays. This feedback approach ensures accurate phase calibration while operating within the constraints of the bi-directional amplifier configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If one antenna element is connected to one set of transmitter-receiver, then phase calibration can be performed, but the number of transmitter-receivers increases and device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase calibration capabilityVSAvoidnumber of transmitter-receivers

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bi-directional amplifier configuration enables a single amplifier unit to serve multiple functions - both transmission and reception operations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of amplifier units required while maintaining the capability to perform phase calibration between arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier is divided into multiple independent amplifier units, each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows different amplifier units to handle transmission and reception operations simultaneously, enabling full-duplex communication while maintaining the bi-directional configuration benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11621488B2Array communication device and method for controlling same

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 NEC CORP

AI summary

Provided are an array communication device that makes phase correction between a plurality of arrays having bi-directional amplifiers possible and a method for controlling the array communication device. This array communication device comprises a plurality of array units that are connected to a common signal processing unit and each comprise an antenna, amplifier, and phase shifter. The array communication device further comprises first-directional couplers that are respectively disposed between the antennas and amplifiers of the array units and divide or combine signals, second-directional couplers that are respectively disposed between the phase shifters of the array units and the signal processing unit and divide or combine signals, and phase comparison means that each receive at least one from among a signal from a first-directional coupler and a signal from a second-directional coupler and a signal serving as a phase reference and carry out phase comparison and correction.