Phased Array Tile Self-Alignment Using Internal LO Phase Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale phased array systems face challenges in signal alignment and phase balancing between distributed tiles, especially at high frequencies, due to misalignments of local oscillator signals, which affect beamforming and signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A self-alignment method using internally-generated local oscillator signals and existing coupling paths between adjacent tiles to measure and correct phase differences, allowing for phase-balanced signal alignment without external components, which can be performed during system startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If system elements are distributed on multiple chips to avoid large chip size, then chip size is reduced and manufacturing yield is improved, but signal alignment between adjacent tiles becomes complex and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own internally-generated LO signals to perform self-alignment measurements between adjacent tiles. Each tile transmits its LO signal to neighboring tiles and measures the phase differences, enabling the system to self-correct alignment issues without external equipment or complex manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where phase differences between LO signals from adjacent tiles are measured and used to adjust phase shifters. This closed-loop feedback allows dynamic compensation for alignment variations, maintaining signal integrity despite distributed architecture challenges.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional external components and signals are used for alignment, then signal alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LO signals serve dual purposes: they are used for both normal phased array operation and for self-alignment measurements between tiles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external alignment signals or components, reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internally-generated LO signals to perform self-alignment measurements between adjacent tiles. Each tile transmits its LO signal to neighboring tiles and measures the phase differences, enabling the system to self-correct alignment issues without external equipment or complex manufacturing precision requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional external alignment methods are used, then signal alignment can be achieved, but alignment time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-alignment process is performed during system startup before the phased array is placed into live network operation. This preliminary alignment action ensures all tiles are properly synchronized before operational use, avoiding the need for time-consuming realignment during deployment or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internally-generated LO signals to perform self-alignment measurements between adjacent tiles. Each tile transmits its LO signal to neighboring tiles and measures the phase differences, enabling the system to self-correct alignment issues without external equipment or complex manufacturing precision requirements.
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 ensures accurate and efficient alignment of signals across multiple tiles, maintaining phase balance and improving beamforming performance in large-scale phased array systems, particularly beneficial for next-generation 5G networks.
Implementation Method 1
a first local oscillator signal is transmitted from a transmitter in a first tile to a receiver in an adjacent second tile
Implementation Method 2
the phase of the first local oscillator signal is measured
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for aligning signals in a phased array system having multiple tiles. Tile-to-tile signal alignment is achieved through the use of internally-generated local oscillator signals and existing coupling paths between transmit and receive antenna elements in adjacent tiles of the phased array system. The relative phases of the local oscillator signals are measured in both directions between adjacent tiles to determine phase differences that can then be used for alignment of the signals between the adjacent tiles. The self-alignment process can then be repeated on subsequent adjacent tile pairs, thus providing a fully aligned and phase-balanced phased array system. Because there is no need for any external signals or components that are not already resident on the tiles, self-alignment can be performed as part of system startup, e.g., to align the multi-tile phased array before the system is placed into operation in a live network.