Phased Array Radar Channel Correction Using Equal-Length Mixer Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array radar systems face challenges in accurately performing zero-point correction of phase and amplitude differences between channels due to signal interference from couplers, making simultaneous, parallel measurements difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phased array radar apparatus with a self-test circuit that uses equal-length lines and mixer circuits to generate direct-current components from a shared reference oscillating signal, allowing for simultaneous, parallel adjustment of phase and amplitude settings across multiple channels using a control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If simultaneous, parallel measurement of all channels is performed, then correction time is reduced, but signal interference from couplers makes accurate reference identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal routing mechanism where the test signal is sequentially connected to each channel through a switch, and the reference signal is routed through equal-length lines to each mixer. This intermediary structure allows parallel measurement without direct signal leakage between channels, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement process into independent parallel paths by providing separate mixer circuits for each channel, each with its own reference signal path through equal-length lines. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of all channels without mutual interference, achieving both time efficiency and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If consecutive, successive measurement of channels is performed, then accurate reference identification is maintained, but correction time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous parallel operation of all channel measurements simultaneously through the use of multiple mixer circuits with equal-length reference lines. All channels are measured in continuous parallel action rather than sequential steps, eliminating the time penalty while maintaining accuracy through the controlled signal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional sequential measurement approach to a multi-dimensional parallel architecture by adding spatial separation through multiple mixer circuits and temporal synchronization through equal-length reference lines. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous measurement across all channels without interference.
3Productivity
If multiple couplers are used to connect channels to mixers, then parallel measurement capability is provided, but signal leakage between channels causes interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of signal leakage into a benefit by using the coupler structure intentionally designed with controlled coupling characteristics. The equal-length reference lines compensate for any phase differences introduced by the couplers, transforming the potential interference source into a calibrated measurement path that enables accurate parallel measurement.
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 enables accurate and efficient zero-point correction of all channels simultaneously, reducing the time required for correction and maintaining high-speed performance even with a large number of channels.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of mixer circuits coupled to the plurality of equal-length lines, respectively, each of the plurality of mixer circuits being configured to receive a same reference oscillating signal having the predetermined frequency and a corresponding one of the output oscillating signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit includes adjustment units configured to receive a same oscillating signal having a predetermined frequency and to adjust a phase and an amplitude of the oscillating signal to produce output oscillating signals, coupling points configured to supply the output oscillating signals produced by the adjustment units to antennas, couplers provided in one-to-one correspondence with outputs of the adjustment units, equal-length lines sharing the same length and extending from the couplers, respectively, mixer circuits coupled to the equal-length lines, respectively, each of the mixer circuits being configured to receive a same reference oscillating signal having the predetermined frequency and a corresponding one of the output oscillating signals, and a control circuit configured to cause the adjustment units to adjust at least one of the phase and the amplitude in response to direct-current components in outputs of the mixer circuits.