Digital Phase Shifter Link for High-Accuracy Signal Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Signal transmitting links using analog phase shifter architectures suffer from low phase modulation resolution and accuracy, failing to meet high-resolution and high-accuracy requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a digital phase shifter architecture with components like a digital phase shift signal source, digital-to-analog converter, and IQ mixer to perform phase shifting in the digital domain, integrated with a signal calibration link to improve phase modulation resolution and accuracy, and reduce complexity and area loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an analog phase shifter architecture is used, then the circuit implementation is simple, but the phase modulation resolution and accuracy are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog phase shifter (mechanical/electrical continuous adjustment system) with a digital phase shifter architecture. The digital phase shifter uses digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and mixers to achieve phase modulation, substituting the continuous analog adjustment mechanism with a digital control mechanism. This substitution enables higher phase modulation resolution (e.g., 10-bit or 12-bit DACs providing 0.09° or 0.05° resolution) while maintaining implementability through standard digital signal processing components.
2Measurement precision
If a digital phase shifter architecture is implemented, then phase modulation resolution and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components to bridge the digital and analog domains. Specifically, digital-to-analog converters (DACs) serve as intermediaries to convert digital phase control words into analog voltages that control the mixers. The mixers themselves act as intermediaries to combine the local oscillator signal with the DAC output, producing the phase-modulated RF signal. These intermediaries manage the complexity by providing clear functional boundaries and standardized interfaces between digital control and analog signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the phase shifter functionality into distinct modular components: a digital phase control unit (generating digital phase words), DAC units (converting digital to analog), and mixer units (performing frequency conversion and phase modulation). Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently designed, optimized, and calibrated. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by making each component simpler and more manageable while achieving the cumulative effect of high-precision phase control.
3Measurement precision
If off-line calibration is performed for phase shifters, then phase accuracy is improved, but engineering implementation complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service calibration through the inherent properties of the digital phase shifter architecture. The system uses the same DAC and mixer components for both signal generation and calibration purposes. By applying known digital phase control words and measuring the actual output phase, the system can automatically determine and correct for component imperfections without requiring external calibration equipment or manual adjustment. This self-calibration capability is achieved through the digital domain's ability to precisely control and measure phase relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the actual phase output is measured and compared with the desired phase value. The difference (error) is used to adjust the digital control words or component parameters to minimize the phase error. This feedback loop continuously maintains phase accuracy despite environmental changes or component drift, eliminating the need for complex off-line calibration procedures while preserving high phase accuracy.
4Area of stationary object
If analog phase shifters are used, then area occupation is reduced, but phase modulation resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the phase shifter from analog continuous control to digital discrete control. By using high-resolution DACs (e.g., 10-bit or 12-bit), the system achieves fine phase resolution through digital word length rather than through complex analog component design. This parameter change allows the use of smaller, integrated digital components instead of large analog phase shifter circuits, reducing area while improving resolution. The digital domain enables phase control precision that would require much larger and more complex analog implementations to achieve.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances phase modulation resolution and accuracy, reduces complexity and area loss, and improves system stability by avoiding off-line calibration, while effectively compensating for harmonic distortion, local oscillator leakage, and quadrature imbalance.
Implementation Method 1
the digital-to-analog converter is configured to convert the received digital phase shift signal to an analog phase shift signal
Implementation Method 2
the mixer is configured to perform a mixing operation on the received initial analog signal using the received analog phase shift signal to perform a preset phase shifting operation
Implementation Method 3
the transmitting antenna is configured to radiate a phase-shifted initial analog signal to a preset space region
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electromagnetic wave sensors, in particular to a signal transmitting, calibration, compensation and transceiving links, an integrated circuit, an electromagnetic wave sensor and a device, wherein the transmitting link includes an analog signal source and a digital phase shifter, the analog signal source may be configured to provide an initial analog signal, and the digital phase shifter may be configured to provide a phase shift signal in a digital domain and to perform phase shifting on the initial analog signal based on the phase shift signal, so as to perform a preset phase shifting operation on the initial analog signal, thereby effectively improving the phase modulation resolution and phase modulation accuracy.