Multi-Channel Calibration Apparatus Using Direct Detector Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of high-frequency circuits in wireless communication systems using array antennas is increased by the need for amplitude and phase calibration between transmit/receive channels, leading to design and implementation challenges due to the large number of channels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel calibration apparatus with M detectors that directly couple input ports to two channels, allowing for amplitude and phase calibration, and using a calibration control unit to generate coefficients for calibration, reducing the need for cascaded connections and simplifying the design of high-frequency circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cascaded sum dividers are used to interconnect calibrated channel and calibration channel in the calibration feed network, then amplitude calibration and phase calibration between transmit/receive channels can be performed, but design complexity of high frequency circuit and device size are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from the traditional cascaded sum divider architecture and implements it using detectors that directly measure amplitude and phase differences between channels. This removes the complex high-frequency cascaded connection structure while retaining the essential calibration capability through direct measurement and coefficient adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical cascaded sum divider system with a measurement-based calibration approach using detectors. Instead of using complex high-frequency circuit connections to achieve calibration, the system uses detectors to measure channel characteristics and applies calibration coefficients to achieve the same effect with simpler circuitry.
2Reliability
If cascaded sum dividers are used to interconnect channels for calibration, then calibration between multiple channels can be achieved, but the number of components and device size are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from the traditional cascaded sum divider architecture and implements it using detectors that directly measure amplitude and phase differences between channels. This removes the complex high-frequency cascaded connection structure while retaining the essential calibration capability through direct measurement and coefficient adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The detectors in the patent serve multiple functions: they measure amplitude differences, measure phase differences, and provide input for calibration coefficient calculation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each calibration function, thereby reducing the overall number of components required in the system.
3Reliability
If traditional calibration feed network with cascaded sum dividers is used, then channel calibration can be performed, but engineering implementation difficulty is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from the traditional cascaded sum divider architecture and implements it using detectors that directly measure amplitude and phase differences between channels. This removes the complex high-frequency cascaded connection structure while retaining the essential calibration capability through direct measurement and coefficient adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical cascaded sum divider system with a measurement-based calibration approach using detectors. Instead of using complex high-frequency circuit connections to achieve calibration, the system uses detectors to measure channel characteristics and applies calibration coefficients to achieve the same effect with simpler circuitry.
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 approach reduces design complexity, minimizes engineering difficulties, and facilitates device miniaturization by directly calibrating multiple channels with fewer cascades in the high-frequency feed network, thereby enhancing network performance and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the detector can convert high frequency signals on the two corresponding channels into low frequency signals, and transmit the low frequency signals to the calibration control unit
Data Source
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AI summary
This application relates to the antenna communications field, and provides a multi-channel calibration apparatus, an amplitude calibration method, a phase calibration method, a transceiver system to reduce design complexity and implementation complexity of a high frequency circuit in a calibration feed network. In the calibration apparatus, a calibration feed unit includes a plurality of conversion units. The conversion units act as detectors on transmit channels, and act as reference source units on receive channels. Because a conversion unit can directly connect a channel to a calibration control unit, and two adjacent conversion units are jointly coupled to one channel, the channel to which the adjacent conversion units are jointly coupled can be used as a basis in a calibration to implement a multi-channel calibration. Therefore, there is no need to cascade the conversion units, and complexity of the calibration feed network is greatly reduced.