Phased Array Transmission Device Error Correction Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional phased array transmission apparatuses face increased circuit size and power consumption due to complex calibration systems for detecting phase and amplitude errors, and these systems often suffer from detection errors caused by wiring variations, especially with high-frequency signals.

Innovation Solution

A simplified configuration with an inter-branch error detector that uses a signal combiner, detector, and AD converter to accurately detect and correct phase and amplitude errors between transmission branches, reducing circuit size and power consumption while allowing for easy mounting and accurate error correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a reception system for calibration is disposed to detect phase and amplitude errors of transmission branches, then error detection capability is improved, but circuit size and power consumption are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidcircuit size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the calibration function with the existing transmission output detectors by having them also serve as calibration detectors. The transmission output detectors that are already present in the system are utilized to detect both transmission output levels and calibration signals, eliminating the need for a separate reception system for calibration. This merging approach maintains error detection capability while reducing circuit size and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission output detectors are designed to perform multiple functions: they detect transmission output levels during normal operation and also detect calibration signals during calibration mode. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware components to serve both transmission monitoring and error calibration purposes, avoiding the need for dedicated calibration reception components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a reception system for calibration is disposed to detect phase and amplitude errors, then error detection capability is improved, but power consumption is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration detection function is merged with the existing transmission output detectors, which are already powered during transmission operation. By reusing the same detection circuits and power supply for both transmission monitoring and calibration purposes, the patent avoids the additional power consumption that would result from operating a separate calibration reception system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own transmission output detectors to perform calibration detection, rather than requiring an external or separate calibration system. The transmission branches themselves provide the calibration signals, and the existing detectors process both transmission and calibration functions, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2975781B1Phased array transmission device
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2975781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2975781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2975781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Transmission output detectors 161, 162 extract transmission outputs of a plurality of transmission branches 101, 102, and an inter-branch error detector 110 detects a combined signal level of the transmission outputs of the transmission branches to obtain an error detection signal. A correction controller 130 calculates an amplitude error between the transmission branches based on an error detection signal which is obtained by turning ON/OFF output operations of the transmission branches 101, 102, and calculates a phase error between the transmission branches based on an error detection signal which is obtained by changing the phases of the transmission branches 101, 102. A phase controller 180 and an amplitude controller 190 correct the amplitude error and the phase error. The inter-branch error detector 110 can be configured by a simple circuit which is formed by a detector, and which can be mounted in a small size and low power.