DBF Antenna Array Self-Calibration for Fast Phase and Gain Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating electronically steered antennas (ESAs) are time-consuming and require expensive, specialized test equipment, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for calibrating a digital beam forming (DBF) antenna array that simultaneously transmits a set of calibration signals on multiple antenna radiating elements, using a first processor to measure phase and gain, and calibrating the elements using estimated relative phase and gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard transmit ESA calibration methods are used, then calibration accuracy is achieved, but calibration time is excessive and equipment cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array performs self-calibration by having each antenna element transmit calibration signals and receive signals from other elements. The receive device processes these signals to determine phase and gain offsets, eliminating the need for external specialized calibration equipment and reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems and specialized test equipment with a signal-processing-based calibration approach. By using digital signal processing to analyze calibration signals transmitted between antenna elements, the system achieves accurate calibration without mechanical intervention or expensive specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If standard transmit ESA calibration methods are used, then calibration accuracy is achieved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array serves its own calibration needs by having elements transmit and receive calibration signals among themselves. This self-service approach eliminates the requirement for external calibrated signal sources, spectrum analyzers, and other specialized test equipment, thereby reducing equipment complexity and cost while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The receive device performs multiple functions: it receives calibration signals from antenna elements, processes these signals to determine phase and gain offsets, and outputs calibration results. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized calibration instruments, reducing overall equipment complexity.
3Productivity
If simultaneous calibration signals are transmitted on multiple antenna elements, then calibration speed improves, but signal coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receive device receives calibration signals from multiple antenna elements simultaneously and processes these signals to determine phase and gain offsets. This feedback mechanism allows the system to coordinate multiple simultaneous transmissions by having the receive device analyze the combined signals and extract calibration information, thereby achieving fast calibration without excessive coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits calibration signals on multiple antenna elements simultaneously rather than sequentially. This preliminary action of parallel signal transmission significantly speeds up the calibration process. The receive device is pre-configured to handle and process these simultaneous signals, managing the coordination complexity through designed signal processing algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system may include a digital beam forming (DBF) antenna array (102) including antenna radiating elements (104) including a first and second antenna radiating elements. The DBF antenna array may be configured to: simultaneously transmit a set of calibration signals on multiple antenna radiating elements, the multiple antenna radiating elements including the first and second antenna radiating elements, each calibration signal of the set of calibration signals comprising a given timing acquisition sequence and a given second sequence, the given second sequence used to measure a phase and a gain of a given antenna radiating element; transmit a first calibration signal of the set by the first antenna radiating element; transmit a second calibration signal of the set by the second antenna radiating element; and calibrate the multiple antenna radiating elements by using an estimated relative phase and an estimated relative gain for each of the multiple antenna radiating elements.