Phased Array Channel Deviation Correction via Phase Offset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for correcting deviations between transmission channels in phased arrays, especially in 5G systems, are costly and prone to measurement errors due to external measurement device reliance and environmental interference, leading to low correction accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that set a phase offset between transmission channels to deviate their phase deviation from zero, allowing for improved detection of signal powers and determination of correction values, including phase and amplitude corrections, to enhance accuracy and reduce measurement errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external measurement device is used for transmission channel correction, then correction can be performed, but measurement costs are high and measurement error is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from external devices and relocates it to the chip itself by integrating power detection units directly into the transmission channel chip. This eliminates the need for external measurement devices and their associated costs and environmental vulnerabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The chip performs self-measurement and self-correction by integrating power detection units that can detect signal powers internally. The system uses its own resources (transmission channels and detection units) to perform measurements without external assistance, thereby reducing costs and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If external measurement device is used for transmission channel correction, then correction can be performed, but it is easily affected by surrounding electromagnetic environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection stabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic environment interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement function is extracted from the external electromagnetic environment and moved inside the chip's controlled environment. The power detection units are integrated within the chip, isolating the measurement process from external electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces internal power detection units as intermediaries between the transmission channels and the correction process. These detection units serve as a protected interface that shields the measurement process from external electromagnetic environment while enabling accurate power detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If phase deviation is close to zero during detection, then correction can be performed, but detection errors are relatively large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal power detection accuracyVSAvoidphase deviation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the phase deviation parameter from near-zero to a non-zero value during the measurement process. By intentionally setting the phase deviation to a non-zero value, the system improves signal power detection accuracy, and then uses this accurate measurement to determine the appropriate correction value that will adjust the phase deviation back to the desired state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a preliminary measurement at a non-zero phase deviation point before applying the final correction. This preliminary action at an optimized measurement point provides more accurate detection data, which is then used to calculate the precise correction needed to achieve the target phase alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4117191A1Apparatus and method for correcting deviation between plurality of transmission channels
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4117191A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2
  • EP4117191A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4117191A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This application relates to the field of communications technologies, and provides an apparatus and a method for correcting a deviation between a plurality of transmission channels, to improve accuracy of deviation correction between transmission channels. The plurality of transmission channels include a first transmission channel and a second transmission channel. The apparatus includes: a phase offset unit, configured to set a phase offset between the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel, so that a phase deviation between the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel deviates from zero; a power detection unit, configured to detect signal powers of the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel under the phase offset; a processing unit, configured to determine, based on the detected signal powers, a deviation correction value between the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel, where the deviation correction value includes a phase correction value; and a phase correction unit, configured to set the phase correction value between the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel.