Multipath Cross-Correlation Radiometry for Self-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiometry systems face challenges in achieving precise calibration due to complex external or internal calibration hardware, drift, and interference from out-of-band radio signals, which compromise sensitivity and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A multipath cross-correlation radiometry method using an N-path transmission combiner and complex cross-correlator to generate calibration outputs, enabling self-calibration without external references, and correcting for interference effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex external or internal calibration hardware is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiometer system performs self-calibration by using its own internal signals and mathematical processing. The system generates calibration outputs through cross-correlation of signals from multiple paths, eliminating the need for external calibration hardware. This self-service approach directly resolves the contradiction by achieving high calibration precision without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mathematical processing as an intermediary between the physical measurement and calibration. By using cross-correlation algorithms and signal processing techniques, the system achieves precise calibration without direct physical calibration hardware. This intermediary approach allows the system to calibrate itself through computational methods rather than requiring complex physical calibration equipment.
2Measurement precision
If precise calibration techniques are used, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to drift and uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and processes signals from multiple paths, using the cross-correlation outputs to maintain accurate calibration. The feedback mechanism involves continuously updating calibration parameters based on real-time signal processing, which compensates for drift and uncertainties. This ongoing feedback loop ensures both high precision and reliability by dynamically adjusting to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the calibration process into multiple independent signal paths that can be processed separately. By segmenting the measurement system into multiple paths with independent calibration capabilities, the system reduces overall drift and uncertainty propagation. Each path contributes independently to the final calibration, improving both precision and reliability through diversification of measurement pathways.
3Productivity
If receiver amplifier gains are used, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to out-of-band radio interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes out-of-band interference signals from the measurement process. By using cross-correlation of signals from multiple paths, the system can identify and reject interference components that would otherwise compromise sensitivity. This extraction of harmful signals allows the system to maintain high productivity through efficient signal processing while preserving measurement precision by eliminating the degrading effect of out-of-band radio interference.
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology provides a radiometer system, including an N-path transmission combiner including one or more sum-difference couplers and one or more quadrature couplers to generate N-path output signals including one or more sum output signals, difference output signals, and quadrature injected noise reference output signals; and, an N-path radio receiver array configured to couple the one or more sum output signals, the difference output signals, and the quadrature injected noise reference output signals into a complex cross-correlator, wherein the complex cross-correlator is configured to process the one or more sum output signals, the difference output signals, and the quadrature injected noise reference output signals to generate a plurality of calibration outputs to be interpreted by a computer based algorithm to determine calibration parameters of the radiometer system.