Directional Antenna Array Angle of Arrival Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately determining the angle of arrival (AOA) of signals due to limitations in time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurement precision, especially at short ranges, and require complex antenna configurations and processing to achieve reliable directional reception and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A directional receive antenna system with multiple elements connected to a single input port of a receiver/processor device, which measures time of arrival and combines signal delays to derive precise AOA measurements, and a corresponding transmit antenna system with precisely positioned elements to enable accurate angle determination at the receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional TDOA measurement methods are used, then directional signal reception is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates at short ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing calibration data that compensates for cable delays and connector variations before actual AOA measurements are performed. The system measures and stores the delay characteristics of each antenna element's connection path in advance, then uses this pre-acquired data to correct TDOA measurements, thereby achieving high precision AOA determination even at short ranges where conventional methods fail.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna steering is implemented to achieve directional transmission, then directionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical antenna steering with an electronic phase control system. Instead of physically moving antenna elements or adjusting their positions mechanically, the system uses electronic phase shifters and signal processing to achieve directional beam formation. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control mechanisms maintains adaptability for directional transmission while significantly reducing device complexity and improving reliability.
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
The system achieves high accuracy in AOA measurement without the need for antenna steering, supporting various applications including air traffic control by providing precise range and orientation information, and enabling accurate localization of transmitters.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the time of arrival of signals and combining knowledge of the relative positions of the receive antenna elements and the delays associated with the various cables, connectors, pads, or other devices involved, with observed differences in the time of arrival of signals of interest at pairs of the plurality of antenna elements, to derive accurate angle of arrival measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A directional receiver system may include a receiver, a plurality of receive antenna elements, and a circuit. The receiver may include an input port and an output. The plurality of receive antenna elements may be fixedly configured into a known geometric relationship to each other, and each of the receive antenna elements may be connected to the input port of the receiver. The circuit may be coupled to the output of the receiver, configured to determine time differences at which signals from a source are incident upon the antenna elements, and configured to determine an angular orientation of the source to the receive antenna elements based on the time differences.