Phased Array Antenna Sub-Array Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antenna calibration methods require individual measurement and calibration of each antenna element, which is time-consuming and energy-intensive, and often necessitate the use of special test equipment, especially when replacing or repairing modular sub-arrays or RF components in the field.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes mutual coupled signals between antenna elements to determine and apply correction coefficients for calibrating entire sub-arrays or RF components without external test equipment, allowing for field replacement and calibration of modular phased array antennas, including sub-arrays and feed network components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual measurement and calibration of each antenna element is performed, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into sub-arrays and performs calibration at the sub-array level rather than individually calibrating each element. This merging approach maintains calibration accuracy while significantly reducing the number of measurements required, thereby reducing calibration time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the complete antenna array into multiple smaller sub-arrays that can be calibrated independently. This segmentation allows parallel calibration processes and reduces the overall calibration time while maintaining the accuracy benefits of individual element calibration through subsequent combination of sub-array measurements.
2Measurement precision
If individual measurement and calibration of each antenna element is performed, then calibration accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna elements into sub-arrays and performs energy-consuming measurements at the sub-array level. This reduces the total number of transmit-receive measurement cycles required, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining calibration accuracy through the combined measurement approach.
3Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but special test equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the antenna array to perform its own calibration using only its existing antenna elements as transmitters and receivers. The system uses the antenna elements themselves to generate and measure calibration signals, eliminating the need for external special test equipment while maintaining calibration accuracy through mutual coupling measurements between elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the antenna elements serve multiple functions: they function as both operational antenna elements during normal operation and as calibration test elements when needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated test equipment, as the same hardware performs both mission operations and self-calibration.
4Ease of repair
If modular sub-arrays are replaced in the field, then maintenance cost is reduced, but calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables replaced modular sub-arrays to perform self-calibration in the field using only their own elements and the elements already present in the array. This self-calibration capability simplifies the field replacement process by eliminating the need for complex external calibration equipment or procedures, making the increased modularity manageable.
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 calibration time and energy consumption, enabling cost-effective field calibration and maintenance of phased array antennas without the need for special test equipment, while improving accuracy through averaging of multiple measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention utilizes mutual coupled signals that are transmitted and received between one array element in an uncalibrated sub-array to another array element in another (already calibrated) sub-array
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A system and method for calibrating a modular phased array antenna after replacement of a component of the modular phased array antenna including a plurality of sub-arrays, each sub-array including a plurality of antenna elements. A complex correction coefficient is determined for correcting a phase and amplitude of one antenna element of the antenna elements in a first sub-array of the sub-arrays. This correction coefficient is then applied to a plurality of the antenna elements in the first sub-array. Therefore, automatic calibration of an entire sub-array of an electronically scanned antenna may be accomplished in the field without the requirement for special test equipment, and with a reduced time and energy requirement because calibration of each individual antenna element in the replaced sub-array is not required.