Phased Array Calibration via Mixer DC Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phased array systems face challenges in aligning the gain and phase of different antennas without performing complex signal processing techniques or in-field measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a mixer to generate DC signals representing the phase and amplitude of activated transmitting and receiving elements, allowing for calibration of the beamforming circuit by determining calibration values based on these signals, thereby aligning the gain and phase of antennas without complex signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex signal processing techniques are used to align antenna gain and phase, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna alignment precisionVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mixer as an intermediary device that converts the complex task of antenna alignment into a simpler DC signal measurement problem. The mixer combines signals from transmitting and receiving elements to produce DC output signals whose magnitudes directly indicate phase and amplitude mismatches, eliminating the need for complex digital signal processing while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex digital signal processing mechanisms with an analog mixer-based measurement system. Instead of using sophisticated algorithms and high-speed ADCs to analyze signal characteristics, the system uses a mixer to directly convert phase and amplitude information into measurable DC signal magnitudes, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If in-field measurements are performed to calibrate antennas, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna calibration precisionVSAvoidcalibration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the beamforming circuit to perform its own calibration using internally generated test signals. The system activates specific transmitting and receiving elements, uses the mixer to measure phase and amplitude relationships, and determines calibration values without requiring external measurement equipment or complex in-field calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs calibration measurements during the manufacturing or initialization phase by systematically activating different element pairs and measuring DC signal outputs. This preliminary calibration data is stored and used to adjust the beamforming circuit, eliminating the need for complex in-field measurements during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If high sampling rate ADCs and DSP are used for signal processing, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal measurement precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, power-intensive high-speed ADCs and DSP processors with a simpler mixer-based measurement system that uses low-power DC signal measurement. The mixer generates DC output signals that can be measured with standard, low-power voltage measurement circuits, dramatically reducing the energy consumption required for calibration while maintaining sufficient precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 enables efficient alignment of antenna gain and phase in phased array systems, reducing signal loss and improving array performance without the need for expensive in-field measurements or complex digital signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

receiving the DC signal and the additional DC signals from a mixer configured to mix an input of the activated transmitting element and an output of the activated receiving element to generate the DC signal and the additional DC signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentUS12284020B2Amplitude and phase alignment of phased array elements

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Systems and methods for operating a beamforming circuit are described. A processor can activate a transmitting element among a plurality of transmitting elements of a beamforming circuit. The processor can activate a receiving element among a plurality of receiving elements of a beamforming circuit. The processor can receive a direct current (DC) signal that represents phase and amplitude of the activated transmitting element and the activated receiving element. The processor can adjust a setting of the beamforming circuit to receive additional DC signals that represent phases and amplitudes of the activated transmitting element and the activated receiving element under the adjusted setting. The processor can determine calibration values for the beamforming circuit based on the DC signal and the additional DC signals.