Multilayer Calibration Board for Antenna Channel Phase Consistency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Smart antennas face challenges in maintaining uniform amplitude and phase characteristics across transmitting and receiving channels, leading to inconsistent beam patterns due to channel inconsistencies, which are difficult to detect and calibrate, especially with increasing numbers of RF ports and radiating units in modern antenna systems.
Innovation Solution
A calibration circuit board with a multilayer design featuring a first metal layer, substrates, and a series-connected plurality of couplers with transmission and coupling lines disposed in different layers, providing independent calibration ports to accurately detect and eliminate channel differences, thereby ensuring amplitude and phase consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional calibration circuit board designs are used, then calibration functionality is provided, but the device size is large and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar calibration circuit board design to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple calibration circuits are arranged in different layers (first calibration circuit in first layer, second calibration circuit in second layer), utilizing vertical space to reduce the horizontal footprint of the device while maintaining full calibration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where calibration circuits are embedded within substrates that are stacked together. The first substrate contains the first calibration circuit, the second substrate contains the second calibration circuit, and these substrates are positioned at different heights to form a compact integrated assembly that fits within a smaller overall volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of RF ports and radiating units is increased, then antenna performance is improved, but channel inconsistencies become more difficult to detect and calibrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calibration function into multiple independent calibration circuits, each responsible for calibrating specific channels. The first calibration circuit calibrates the first channel, the second calibration circuit calibrates the second channel, allowing independent detection and calibration of each channel's amplitude and phase characteristics without interference from other channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dedicated calibration circuits as intermediary components between the signal source and the radiating units. These calibration circuits include coupling lines that extract calibration signals from the main transmission lines, enabling separate measurement and adjustment of channel characteristics without disrupting the main signal flow.
3Measurement precision
If calibration circuits are added to detect channel differences, then calibration capability is provided, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple calibration circuits into a single integrated calibration circuit board structure. The first and second calibration circuits are mounted on the same board with their substrates positioned at different heights, merging their functions while maintaining their operational independence. This reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate calibration devices for each circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides calibration signals, measures channel characteristics, stores calibration data, and controls the calibration process. The first and second calibration circuits share common components such as the substrate structure and mounting board, allowing a single device to handle calibration for multiple channels efficiently.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A calibration circuit board for an antenna. The calibration circuit board may include: a first metal layer configured to be grounded; a first substrate over the first metal layer; a second substrate over the first substrate; and a plurality of couplers. Each coupler may include: a transmission line provided with an input port and an output port at both ends thereof, respectively; and a coupling line coupled with the transmission line and including two first portions respectively located at both sides of the transmission line, and a second portion connected between the two first portions. The coupling lines may be connected in series to provide a first calibration port and a second calibration port. One of the transmission lines and the coupling lines may be between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the other of the transmission lines and the coupling lines may be over the second substrate.