Phased Array Calibration Using Baseband Radar Waveforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional phased array antenna calibration methods are costly and time-consuming, relying on complex radiation pattern measurements and high-frequency equipment, especially for millimeter wave applications, and fail to efficiently calibrate multiple beam directions simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The method employs baseband radar waveforms and a reflector positioned at a predetermined angle and distance to cycle through phase control settings, determining an optimum phase control setting for calibration without the need for expensive high-frequency equipment, allowing for simultaneous calibration of multiple beam directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional radiation pattern measurement methods are used for phased array calibration, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but calibration time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, time-consuming traditional calibration equipment with inexpensive baseband radar waveform generators and simple reflectors. The baseband radar waveform approach uses low-cost signal generation and processing equipment instead of expensive high-frequency measurement systems, achieving calibration without requiring specialized radiation pattern measurement apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical radiation pattern measurement systems with an electromagnetic radar-based system. Instead of using mechanical scanning and measurement equipment to determine antenna patterns, the system uses baseband radar waveforms transmitted through the phased array and reflected off simple targets to automatically determine phase and amplitude settings through signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional high-frequency equipment is used for millimeter wave calibration, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive high-frequency calibration equipment with inexpensive baseband radar waveform generators. The system uses low-frequency signal generation and processing equipment to calibrate millimeter wave phased arrays, eliminating the need for costly high-frequency measurement instruments while maintaining calibration accuracy through digital signal processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the calibration signal from high-frequency millimeter waves to baseband frequencies. By transmitting baseband radar waveforms through the phased array under test and processing the reflected signals, the system determines calibration parameters using low-frequency equipment, thus reducing equipment cost while maintaining measurement accuracy through mathematical transformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional calibration methods are used, then single-direction calibration is achieved, but productivity decreases due to inability to calibrate multiple directions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-direction calibration capabilityVSAvoidcalibration throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple calibration directions into a single measurement process. By transmitting baseband radar waveforms and using signal processing to analyze reflections from targets positioned at different angles, the system simultaneously determines phase and amplitude calibration parameters for multiple beam directions, thereby increasing calibration throughput while maintaining adaptability to different calibration scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 calibration time and cost, enabling faster and more efficient calibration of phased array antennas by using straightforward waveforms and eliminating the requirement for expensive RF measurement equipment, while maintaining accurate beam formation.

Implementation Method 1

positioning a radar reflector at a predetermined angle and distance from a device to be tested

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11789116B2Multi-direction phased array calibration

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A radar reflector is positioned at a predetermined angle and distance from a device to be tested. The device to be tested includes at least one of a transmit phased array antenna and a receive phased array antenna. At least two antenna elements of the at least one of a transmit phased array antenna and a receive phased array antenna are activated to carry out one of transmitting and receiving. A plurality of phase control settings are cycled through to determine an optimum phase control setting for the predetermined angle.