Phased Array OTA Calibration for Phase and Amplitude Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems face challenges in maintaining accurate antenna calibration due to environmental exposure, which can lead to phase and amplitude mismatches in antenna arrays, affecting communication quality.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna system with a beamformer lattice and calibration antenna for comparing reference and non-reference signals, enabling over-the-air calibration to adjust for phase and amplitude errors caused by environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antenna arrays are exposed to environmental conditions for satellite communication, then communication functionality is enabled, but phase and amplitude mismatches occur affecting calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by transmitting known test signals through the antenna array before actual satellite communication begins. The beamformer lattice processes these signals to establish baseline phase and amplitude references, enabling subsequent environmental deviations to be detected and corrected.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system implements continuous feedback by periodically transmitting test signals through the antenna array and comparing received signals against expected patterns. The beamformer lattice analyzes phase and amplitude deviations and adjusts beamforming weights in real-time to compensate for environmental effects on antenna elements.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used, then antenna performance can be maintained, but system complexity and cost increase due to wired connections and physical access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array performs self-calibration by using its own transmit and receive capabilities to measure and correct phase and amplitude mismatches. The system transmits test signals through selected antenna elements and processes the received signals through the beamformer lattice, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or physical access to antenna components.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements serve dual functions: normal satellite communication and self-calibration measurements. The beamformer lattice performs both communication signal processing and calibration analysis, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to support both operational and calibration modes without requiring separate dedicated calibration equipment.
3Measurement precision
If antenna calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then communication quality is improved, but time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic calibration by transmitting test signals at scheduled intervals during normal operation. The beamformer lattice processes these periodic test signals to detect and correct drift in phase and amplitude, maintaining communication quality without requiring continuous calibration that would disrupt operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is designed to occur continuously in the background during normal communication operations. Test signals are transmitted and processed without interrupting the primary satellite communication function, allowing calibration to proceed continuously alongside useful communication actions rather than requiring separate calibration periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna calibration system for a phased array antenna in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure generally includes: a beamformer, wherein the beamformer includes a calibration section for comparing a reference signal to a non-reference signal and a first operating antenna corresponding with the beamformer. In some implementations, the first operating antenna is configured to deliver a first reference signal (mTx) from the beamformer to be received by a second operating antenna for comparison with a first non-reference signal (Rx) in the beamformer, and/or the first operating antenna is configured to receive a second non-reference signal (Tx) from a third operating antenna for comparison with a second reference signal (mRx) in the beamformer.