Phased Array Calibration via Mirror Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antenna testing methods require large test spaces, are inefficient, and time-consuming, especially when testing multiple antenna apparatuses, due to the need for remote field testing and the challenges of beam distortion and performance degradation from factors like mutual coupling and manufacturing errors.
Innovation Solution
A phased array correction and testing method using a mirror array with a subwavelength spacing to perform direct coupling between antenna elements, allowing for fast amplitude-phase correction and measurement of each RF channel individually, reducing the need for extensive test spaces and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If remote field testing method is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but test space requirement increases and testing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from far-field testing (one-dimensional distance extension) to near-field testing (utilizing three-dimensional space around the antenna). By placing the probe in the near-field region and using spherical coordinate scanning, the system achieves accurate measurements without requiring large linear test spaces, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and test space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a near-field probe as an intermediary device between the antenna under test and the measurement system. This probe captures electromagnetic field information in the near-field region, enabling indirect but accurate measurement of antenna parameters without requiring far-field conditions, thereby reducing test space while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If remote field testing method is used, then comprehensive antenna indicators are tested, but testing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs near-field scanning and data collection in advance, capturing complete electromagnetic field information around the antenna before processing. This preliminary data acquisition enables subsequent rapid analysis and multiple parameter extraction without requiring repeated physical measurements, thus reducing overall testing time while maintaining comprehensive indicator evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous near-field scanning where the probe systematically moves through spherical coordinates around the antenna, continuously collecting electromagnetic field data. This continuous measurement approach efficiently captures all necessary antenna indicators in a single uninterrupted process, reducing total testing time compared to discrete far-field measurements.
3Measurement precision
If conventional far-field testing is used, then antenna performance is evaluated, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The near-field testing system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single probe and scanning mechanism can evaluate multiple antenna parameters including radiation patterns, impedance, and gain. This universal testing approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized far-field test setups, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive antenna performance evaluation capabilities.
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 significantly reduces the time and cost associated with phased array correction and testing, enhances test efficiency, and allows for online batch testing of phased array products by using a face-to-face direct coupling mechanism between antenna array elements.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation front of the second phased array and the radiation front of the first phased array are spaced by a subwavelength distance... receives, through the second RF channel of the second phased array, a coupling signal sent through the first RF channel of the first phased array
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a phased array correction and testing method. The method is applied to a correction and testing apparatus including a first phased array and a second phased array, where the first phased array includes a first radio frequency RF channel, the second phased array includes a second RF channel, a topology of the first RF channel has a mirror symmetry relationship with a topology of the second RF channel, a radiation front of the second phased array and a radiation front of the first phased array are spaced by a subwavelength distance. A coupling signal sent through the first RF channel is received through the second RF channel; an amplitude deviation value and a phase deviation value that correspond to the first RF channel are determined based on the coupling signal; an amplitude coefficient and a phase coefficient that correspond to the first RF channel are corrected if a preset error correction condition is satisfied; and performance indicator parameters of the first phased array are measured by using a target amplitude coefficient and a target phase coefficient. This application discloses a correction and testing apparatus. In this application, fast amplitude-phase correction can be performed on all RF channels of a to-be-tested phased array, thereby improving test efficiency, reducing a floor area, and lowering costs.