In-situ Phase Amplitude Calibration for Phased Array Receivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array system performance is degraded due to unbalanced antenna and receiver pairs, and traditional amplitude and phase balancing techniques are expensive and typically performed in factory conditions different from field environments.

Innovation Solution

A method involving multiple calibration paths and signals to calibrate receivers in situ, where first and second calibration signals are injected through distinct paths to align receiver pairs based on received signals, allowing for phase and amplitude balancing at the actual operating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional amplitude and phase balancing techniques are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase and amplitude balancing precisionVSAvoidcalibration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the phased array's own receivers and antenna paths to perform self-calibration. The calibration device leverages existing system components (receivers, antenna paths) to measure and adjust phase and amplitude balances, eliminating the need for external complex calibration equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the calibration approach from factory-based fixed parameter adjustment to field-adaptable dynamic parameter measurement. By injecting calibration signals and measuring receiver responses under actual operating conditions, the system dynamically determines phase and amplitude parameters, achieving high precision without complex pre-configured calibration systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If factory-based calibration is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to field conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration precisionVSAvoidadaptability to field operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration measurements by injecting calibration signals through antenna paths before final receiver alignment. This preliminary action establishes reference phase relationships that guide subsequent receiver phase adjustments, enabling accurate field adaptation while maintaining manufacturing precision standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system transitions from static factory settings to dynamic field adjustment. Receivers can be independently adjusted in phase and amplitude based on real-time measurements of calibration signals, allowing the system to adapt to changing field conditions such as temperature variations and environmental factors while maintaining calibration precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple calibration paths are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver phase and amplitude measurement precisionVSAvoidcalibration path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration device serves multiple functions through a unified structure. It can inject calibration signals through multiple antenna paths, measure responses from multiple receivers, and perform both phase and amplitude calibration operations, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment for each function and managing complexity through multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Calibration signals serve as intermediaries between the calibration device and receivers. These signals traverse the antenna paths and receivers, carrying phase and amplitude information that enables precise measurement without requiring direct complex measurement circuitry at each receiver, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through signal-mediated measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11482779B2Minimal phase matched test target injection for parallel receiver phase and amplitude alignment

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A system is provided comprising: a plurality of receivers; a plurality of antennas; a calibration device coupled to the plurality of receivers; a plurality of antenna paths, each of the antenna paths being arranged to couple a respective one of the plurality of receivers with a respective one of the plurality of antennas; a plurality of first calibration paths, each of the first calibration paths being arranged to couple the calibration device to different respective first pair of the antenna paths; a plurality of second calibration paths, each of the second calibration paths being arranged to couple the calibration device to a different respective second pair of the antenna paths, each second pair of the antenna paths including at least one antenna path in common with any of the first pairs of the antenna paths.