Antenna Array Calibration via Far-Field Radiation Pattern Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for telecommunication devices with antenna arrays are complex, time-consuming, and expensive, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective approach.
Innovation Solution
A calibration method involving a device under test with transceivers and antenna elements, using a measurement unit to adjust phase and amplitude settings to direct radiation patterns towards a measurement antenna, recording optimal settings for peak and null values, and repeating adjustments until threshold gains are reached, while considering temperature dependencies and beam steering properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If near field scanning with precise positioning system is used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical near-field scanning positioning system with an electromagnetic far-field measurement system. Instead of physically moving antennas in near-field configurations with precise mechanical positioning, the invention uses far-field radiation pattern measurements where the measurement antenna is positioned in the far-field region, eliminating complex mechanical positioning requirements while maintaining calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional calibration approach by measuring in the far-field region rather than the near-field region. This inversion allows direct measurement of radiation patterns without requiring near-field to far-field transformations, thereby simplifying the measurement system and reducing calibration time while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If near field scanning with Fourier transform is used for calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the computationally intensive near-field to far-field transformation process by directly measuring in the far-field region. This substitution of measurement approach removes the need for Fourier transform calculations and iterative near-field scanning, dramatically increasing calibration speed while maintaining accuracy through direct far-field radiation pattern measurements
3Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the measurement antenna in the far-field region before actual measurements begin. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming near-field scanning sequences and Fourier transform calculations during the calibration process, achieving both precision and speed by preparing the measurement geometry in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the time-consuming near-field scanning mechanical process with a streamlined far-field measurement approach. By measuring directly in the far-field region where radiation patterns are naturally formed, the system eliminates lengthy scanning sequences and mathematical transformations, reducing calibration time while preserving measurement precision
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
This method enables faster, more repeatable, and cost-efficient calibration with higher repeatability, suppressing side lobes and ensuring stable radiation patterns, thereby improving the calibration process for antenna arrays in telecommunication devices.
Implementation Method 1
turning on at least two antenna elements at the same time with at least one of a steering phase and a steering amplitude such that a peak beam, a null or a side lobe of the radiation pattern generated is directed towards the measurement antenna unit
Implementation Method 2
providing a measurement unit having at least one measurement antenna unit configured to measure the radiated power of the device under test in the far-field region of the device under test
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration method for calibrating a device under test with regard to at least one of phase and amplitude characteristics is described, with providing a device under test. Providing a measurement unit that has at least one measurement antenna unit configured to measure the radiated power of the device under test in the far-field region of the device under test. Turning on at least two antenna elements at the same time with at least one of a steering phase and a steering amplitude such that a peak beam, a null or a side lobe of the radiation pattern generated is directed towards the measurement antenna unit. Adjusting the phase or amplitude of at least one antenna element while the at least one other antenna element remaining stable. Recording the adjusted phase value or the adjusted amplitude value. Saving the setup corresponding to the highest measured gain or the lowest measured gain. Repeating the adjusting and recording steps for at least one other antenna element until a threshold value for the measured gain is reached.