Automatic Phase Shifting Control Loop for Multi-Antenna RF Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for calibrating the power output of multi-antenna RF transmitters are time-consuming and costly due to the need for individual calibration of each antenna mode, which increases with the number of modes.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter apparatus with an automatic phase control device that uses a feedback loop and directional couplers to split RF signals, generate monitoring signals, and adjust the phase of the RF signal to direct power to the appropriate antenna based on the antenna mode, allowing for real-time calibration of multiple antennas with a single control voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional individual calibration method is used for each antenna mode, then power output calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration time increases with each additional antenna mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna mode calibrations into a single calibration process by using a phase shifter to dynamically redirect a single calibrated signal to different antenna modes. The feedback loop with power detectors and phase comparators maintains calibration accuracy across all modes simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions: the phase shifter can direct the signal to any antenna mode, the feedback loop monitors power across different modes, and the control circuit adjusts phase to maintain calibration for all modes. This multi-functional design allows one calibration process to calibrate all antenna modes.
2Reliability
If multiple antenna modes are calibrated individually, then each antenna mode achieves proper power output, but the calibration process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops with power detectors that continuously monitor the output power of each antenna mode. The detected power signals are fed back to phase comparators that compare them against reference signals, and the resulting error signals control the phase shifter to automatically adjust and maintain consistent power output across all antenna modes, ensuring reliability while improving efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then each antenna mode is accurately calibrated, but the system complexity increases with more antenna modes
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system uses universal components that can handle multiple antenna modes: a single phase shifter with multiple output ports, shared feedback loops, and a common control circuit. This universal design maintains calibration accuracy across all modes without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same components serve all modes rather than requiring separate calibration systems for each mode.
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 the time required to calibrate multiple antennas to the equivalent of calibrating a single antenna, enables real-time fine-tuning, and simplifies future development with a reusable circuit design.
Implementation Method 1
a first directional coupler configured to split the first portion of the RF signal and generate a first monitoring signal; a second directional coupler configured to split the second portion of the RF signal and generate a second monitoring signal
Implementation Method 2
a power comparison operational amplifier configured to receive the amplified first monitoring signal and the amplified second monitoring signal and generate a power difference signal, a phase control operational amplifier configured to receive the power difference signal and a reference input signal and generate a phase control signal
Implementation Method 3
a phase shifter configured to receive the phase control signal, and based on the phase control signal, phase-shift the RF signal to direct the RF signal to the first antenna, or phase-shift the RF signal to direct the RF signal to the second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter apparatus and method are disclosed. An RF terminal provides an RF signal. A first antenna transmits a first portion of the RF signal and a second antenna transmits a second portion of the RF signal. Directional couplers generate a first monitoring signal and a second monitoring signal. A power comparison operational amplifier receives the first monitoring signal and the second monitoring signal and generates a power difference signal. A phase control operational amplifier receives the power difference signal and a reference input signal and generates a phase control signal. A phase shifter receives the phase control signal, and based on the phase control signal, phase-shifts the RF signal to direct the RF signal to the first antenna, or phase-shifts the RF signal to direct the RF signal to the second antenna.