Phased Array Calibration via Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antenna systems face challenges in maintaining beam steering accuracy due to temperature changes, which can be rapid and non-uniform, and current cooling systems are inefficient and complex.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that predict future temperature values using a temperature model and adjust antenna elements based on calculated correction values to compensate for temperature-dependent changes, allowing for real-time calibration of phased arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling system is used to stabilize the temperature of the antenna elements, then the temperature stability is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature stabilization function from a physical cooling system and implements it through software-based calibration correction. Instead of removing heat physically, the system measures temperature changes and applies computational corrections to the phased array calibration data, eliminating the need for complex cooling hardware while achieving the same functional goal of maintaining operational accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cooling system with an electronic/computational solution. Temperature-induced phase and amplitude errors are corrected through digital signal processing and calibration adjustment rather than mechanical temperature control, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler electronic correction mechanism
2Temperature
If a cooling system is used to stabilize the temperature of the antenna elements, then the temperature stability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature stabilization function from a power-consuming cooling system and implements it through software-based calibration correction. Instead of removing heat physically through power-intensive mechanisms, the system measures temperature changes and applies computational corrections to the phased array calibration data, eliminating the need for power-consuming cooling hardware while achieving the same functional goal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the power-intensive mechanical cooling system with an electronic/computational solution. Temperature-induced phase and amplitude errors are corrected through digital signal processing and calibration adjustment rather than mechanical temperature control, substituting a high-power mechanical system with a low-power electronic correction mechanism
3Temperature
If a cooling system is used to stabilize the temperature, then the temperature control is improved, but the response speed to rapid heating decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring temperature sensors and pre-calculating calibration corrections before temperature-induced errors significantly degrade performance. The system maintains a library of calibration corrections for different temperature conditions and applies the appropriate correction proactively, rather than reacting after temperature instability has already affected beam accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the slow thermal response of cooling systems with the instantaneous electronic response of digital calibration correction. Temperature measurements trigger immediate computational corrections to the phased array signals, providing near-real-time compensation that responds far faster than any mechanical cooling system could
4Temperature
If a cooling system is used to stabilize the temperature, then the temperature uniformity is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing individual calibration corrections for each antenna element based on its specific temperature sensor readings. Rather than attempting to uniformly cool the entire array, the system measures and corrects temperature-induced errors locally at each element, allowing non-uniform temperature distribution while maintaining overall beam accuracy through element-specific compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the temperature uniformity function from the physical cooling system and achieves it through computational correction. Instead of physically equalizing temperatures across the array, the system measures temperature variations and applies differential calibration corrections to compensate for non-uniform heating, achieving functional uniformity without the complex hardware needed to enforce physical uniformity
Data Source
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AI summary
Adjusting a calibrated phased array includes receiving conditions data describing conditions at a phased array. The phased array comprises antenna element sets, where an antenna element set comprises antenna elements and is associated with a calibration value. The following is performed for each antenna element set. A temperature value is established for an antenna element set according to the conditions data. A temperature- dependent correction value corresponding to the temperature value is established. A correction value is determined for the antenna element set according to the temperature -dependent correction value and the calibration value associated with the each antenna element set. At least one antenna element of the antenna element set is adjusted according to the correction value.