Modular Transceiver Array with Daisy-Chain Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless access network transceiver arrays face challenges in complexity and cost due to the need for multiple cables to carry traffic for multiple transceivers, and existing calibration methods are inefficient in accounting for electrical distances and signal leakage.
Innovation Solution
A large-scale transceiver array with modular design, where a subset of transceivers connects directly to the baseband unit, and others connect in a daisy chain, using phase locked loop (PLL) for synchronization, and calibration signals are used to determine beamforming parameters by calculating electrical distances and compensating for signal leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are used to carry traffic for multiple transceivers, then signal transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transceiver connections into a single cable by implementing a daisy-chain topology where transceivers are connected sequentially. This merging approach allows multiple signal paths to share common cable infrastructure, reducing the total number of cables required while maintaining the ability to carry traffic for multiple transceivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable connecting multiple transceivers is designed to carry multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both a daisy-chain connection for sequential access and a means to carry traffic for multiple transceivers. The cable infrastructure becomes universal, supporting both calibration signals and data traffic through the same physical medium.
2Ease of operation
If conventional calibration methods are used, then calibration process is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for electrical distances and signal leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by measuring electrical distances between transceivers and characterizing signal leakage paths before actual beamforming operations. This preliminary characterization data is stored and used during normal operation to compensate for these effects, ensuring precise beamforming parameters without adding complexity to the main operational流程.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system measures actual signal characteristics including electrical distances and leakage, then uses this feedback information to adjust and optimize beamforming parameters. This closed-loop approach maintains measurement precision while keeping the calibration process manageable.
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 configuration reduces cable complexity and cost while enabling efficient beamforming and calibration, improving signal transmission and reception quality by accurately accounting for electrical distances and signal leakage.
Implementation Method 1
using phase locked loop (PLL) for synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
Each of a plurality of modules comprises a respective one of a plurality of antenna elements, and each of a subset of the plurality of modules comprising a respective one of a plurality of transceivers, wherein the plurality of modules are interconnected via one or more communication links. The circuitry may be operable to receive a calibration signal via the plurality of antenna elements, determine, for each one of the antenna elements, a time and/or phase of arrival of the calibration signal, calculate, based on the time and/or phase of arrival of the calibration signal at each of the plurality of antenna elements, electrical distances between the plurality of antenna elements on the one or more communication links, and calculate beamforming coefficients for use with the plurality of antenna elements based on the electrical distances.