Phased Array Antenna Field Calibration Using Self-Service Signal Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for calibrating phased array antennas in the field are costly, time-consuming, and often result in decreased accuracy due to the need for precise positioning of external calibration equipment and the complexity of using internal calibration signals, which can lead to misalignment and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A portable calibration kit that uses existing calibrated elements to determine test setup and geometry, allowing for accurate calibration without the need for precise positioning of external equipment, and generates calibration files to update antenna settings, enabling on-site maintenance and reducing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If external calibration equipment is used for field calibration, then calibration can be performed on-site, but positioning precision and alignment complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-site calibration capabilityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system uses the antenna array's own elements as reference sources. Each antenna element transmits calibration signals that are received by other elements in the array, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while enabling on-site calibration operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a calibration signal as an intermediary that mediates between the antenna elements. Instead of directly measuring physical positions with external equipment, the system uses transmitted and received calibration signals to indirectly determine relative positions and phases, simplifying the calibration process while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If internal calibration signals are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to potential misalignment and signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment complexityVSAvoidcalibration reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration process is segmented into multiple independent transmission-reception pairs. Each antenna element can independently transmit calibration signals and be independently calibrated by other elements. This segmentation allows the system to identify and exclude problematic elements, improving overall reliability while keeping equipment simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where received calibration signals are analyzed to determine element performance. The system can detect misalignment and signal quality issues through feedback from the received signals, allowing for real-time adjustments and reliability monitoring without adding complex external equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If precise positioning of calibration equipment is required, then calibration accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with electromagnetic signal-based positioning. Instead of using physical measurement tools to precisely position calibration equipment, the system uses the phase and amplitude information from transmitted and received calibration signals to automatically determine relative positions and perform calibration, eliminating time-consuming manual positioning while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If phased array elements are replaced or repaired in the field, then system availability is improved, but calibration requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidcalibration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

After replacing or repairing antenna elements in the field, the system performs self-calibration using the remaining operational elements as references. The calibrated elements automatically serve as reference sources to calibrate the newly installed elements, eliminating the need for complex external calibration procedures and maintaining high system availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9614279B2Portable apparatus and associated method for phased array field calibration

Publication Date: 2017.04.04 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A system for calibrating an array antenna comprises a calibration antenna at a first location relative to an array antenna, a first set of calibration files, and a processor. Based on received far field data from a far field data test that was run on the array antenna, using the calibration antenna, the processor is configured to generate a model predicting the actual location of the calibration antenna relative to the array antenna and to generate predicted far field data based on the model. The model is adjusted, if needed, by comparing the predicted far field data with the received far field data. Based on the model, new calibration files are generated that substantially correlate to the actual location of the calibration antenna.