True Time Delay Beamforming With Electronic Self-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing true time delay beamforming systems require periodic maintenance, calibration, and performance verification, especially when RF cables or optical fibers are interchanged in the field, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A true time delay beamforming system with signal conditioning devices providing selective, independent, and variable control over phase delay, time delay, and amplitude, along with a calibration system that detects and corrects errors electronically, eliminating the need for physical manipulation and reducing maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF cables or optical fibers are used to impart time delay, then time delay functionality is achieved, but periodic maintenance and calibration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical RF cables and optical fibers with an electronically controlled beamforming system that uses signal processing to achieve time delay. The system employs a plurality of signal processing channels with adjustable delay elements that can be controlled electronically without physical manipulation of cables or fibers, thereby eliminating the need for periodic maintenance and calibration associated with mechanical interconnects.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamforming system incorporates self-calibration capabilities through electronic control mechanisms that automatically adjust delay parameters. The system can perform self-verification and adjustment of time delay settings without requiring external intervention or physical manipulation of cables, reducing maintenance requirements and ensuring consistent performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If diverse antenna elements are used, then coverage area and data rates are improved, but precise control over time delay, phase delay and amplitude is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal beamforming control system that handles diverse antenna elements through a unified electronic control architecture. The system uses a plurality of signal processing channels, each capable of independently adjusting time delay, phase delay, and amplitude parameters through electronic control signals. This multi-functional approach allows the same control mechanism to manage various antenna types and configurations without requiring different hardware for each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic electronic control of signal parameters across multiple channels. Each signal processing channel can independently and dynamically adjust time delay, phase delay, and amplitude based on control signals, allowing real-time adaptation to different antenna configurations and operational requirements without fixed hardware constraints.
3Ease of repair
If physical manipulation of cables or optical fibers is required for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but labor-intensive procedures and system downtime are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical manipulation of cables and optical fibers with electronic control mechanisms for calibration. The system uses electronically adjustable delay elements and signal processing channels that can be calibrated through electronic control signals without requiring physical access to or manipulation of interconnect cables, thereby eliminating labor-intensive procedures and system downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamforming system incorporates self-calibration capabilities where the electronic control system automatically adjusts delay and phase parameters without external intervention. The system can perform calibration procedures internally through its electronic control mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations and reducing both time and labor requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A true time delay beamforming system and calibration method for transmission and reception of a beam is disclosed. The true time delay beamforming system comprises at least one input signal received by at least one signal conditioning device, wherein the signal conditioning device is adapted to provide selective, independent, and variable control of one of a phase delay, a time delay and an amplitude of the input signal to produce an output signal. A control logic device is adapted to provide a control logic signal to the at least one signal conditioning device for selectively activating and controlling the signal conditioning device. The true time delay beamforming system may further include an automatic calibration system that generates an error correction signal based on errors detected in the output signal, and selectively adjusts the control logic signal based thereon.