Phased Array Internal Loopback for Fast DPD Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of maintaining or improving antenna performance in wireless communication devices with limited space and increasing functionality, particularly in mmW phased array antennas, is compounded by costly and impractical production testing, and mutual coupling calibration in DPD calibration increases factory calibration time and cost.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an internal signal loopback system within a transceiver integrated circuit for self-test and calibration, allowing for frequency-diverse signal feedback and reduced testing time and cost, enabling online calibration and efficient DPD calibration without OTA loopback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If production testing is performed after manufacture, then manufacturing precision can be verified, but production cost and testing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-test circuitry and calibration mechanisms that are built into the transceiver IC during manufacturing, allowing verification of antenna performance and DPD calibration to be performed automatically without requiring separate post-manufacturing test procedures. This preliminary integration of testing capabilities eliminates the need for time-consuming external testing equipment and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver IC performs self-diagnosis and self-calibration through integrated self-test circuitry that can verify its own antenna performance and mutual coupling characteristics. The device uses internal resources to conduct DPD calibration and generate test signals, eliminating dependency on external testing equipment and reducing production testing time and cost.
2Manufacturing precision
If OTA loopback is used for DPD calibration, then calibration can be performed, but factory calibration time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the loopback function from the external air interface and implements it internally within the transceiver IC through dedicated self-test circuitry. This internal loopback path allows DPD calibration to be performed using internal signal paths rather than requiring over-the-air transmission, significantly reducing calibration time and eliminating dependency on external testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate frequency (IF) signal as a mediator in the self-test process. The IF signal serves as a test stimulus that can be generated internally and used to calibrate DPD parameters without requiring external equipment. This intermediary signal enables efficient internal calibration while maintaining accuracy.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple antennas are disposed in limited volume, then device size is reduced, but antenna performance maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements mutual coupling calibration mechanisms that use feedback from measured coupling between antennas to adjust and optimize antenna performance. The self-test circuitry measures the coupling effects between closely spaced antennas and applies calibration corrections to maintain desired performance characteristics despite the compact antenna layout.
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
Facilitates self-testing and calibration of transceiver ICs, reducing production costs and time, and enabling efficient DPD calibration, thereby improving antenna performance and reducing mutual coupling calibration issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first mixer configured to mix a first oscillator signal and a first IF transmit signal to produce a first RF transmit signal
Implementation Method 2
a second mixer configured to mix a second oscillator signal and an RF feedback signal to produce an IF feedback signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a transceiver integrated circuit includes: mixing a first oscillator signal, of a first oscillator signal frequency, and an IF transmit signal to produce an RF transmit signal, the IF transmit signal having a first IF and being received from am IF input/output port; providing the RF transmit signal to a plurality of phase shifters and a plurality of power amplifiers; mixing a second oscillator signal and an RF feedback signal to produce an IF feedback signal, the RF feedback signal being received from an output of one of the power amplifiers, and the IF feedback signal having a second IF that is different from the first IF; and providing the IF feedback signal to the IF input/output port.