Multi-Channel Receiver Calibration Using Per-Channel Phase Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional calibration methods for multi-channel receiving systems fail to allow for the distribution of a calibration signal with an arbitrary time course to individual receiving channels, preventing unambiguous assignment of input and output signals and failing to replicate the reception of arbitrarily oriented plane waves.

Innovation Solution

A multi-channel receiving system with individually phase-modulated calibration signals for each channel, using a power supply circuit to distribute a reference signal and a control circuit to generate phase-modulated calibration signals, enabling unambiguous discrimination of calibration signals from interference components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an external calibration antenna is used to transmit a reference signal to all receiving channels, then calibration can be performed, but the calibration signal cannot have an arbitrary time course and interference signals cannot be unambiguously identified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearbitrary time course of calibration signalVSAvoidunambiguous assignment of input and output signals
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the calibration signal distribution into individual channels, with each receiving channel having its own signal source that can generate calibration signals with arbitrary time courses independently. This segmentation allows each channel to be calibrated separately with precise signal control while maintaining the ability to handle interference signals unambiguously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed distribution network is used to couple a reference signal directly into the N receiving module inputs, then calibration is possible, but arbitrary time course calibration signals cannot be distributed and interference signals cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearbitrary time course of calibration signalVSAvoidsignal distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each receiving channel is equipped with its own signal source that can autonomously generate calibration signals with arbitrary time courses. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a complex fixed distribution network, as each channel independently produces its own calibration signals, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but the reception of arbitrarily oriented plane waves cannot be replicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplication of arbitrarily oriented plane wavesVSAvoidcalibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables dynamic calibration by allowing each receiving channel to generate calibration signals with arbitrary time courses, which can be adjusted to replicate the reception of arbitrarily oriented plane waves. This dynamic capability ensures that the calibration process can adapt to different wave orientations and propagation characteristics, maintaining high reliability across various calibration scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables simultaneous calibration of all receiving channels with unambiguous determination of transmission characteristics and the ability to simulate the reception of arbitrarily oriented plane waves.

Implementation Method 1

a modulation circuit (213) configured to modulate the reference signal (121) based on a respective control signal (131-i) in order to generate a calibration signal (220-i) for the respective receiver circuit (110-i)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP4204845B1Multi-channel receiving systems, method for calibrating a multi-channel receiving system, and method for simulating reception of a predetermined wave at a multi-channel receiving system
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP4204845B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4204845B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4204845B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-channel receiving system. The multi-channel receiving system comprises a plurality of receiver circuits for a plurality of receiving channels. At least a first receiver circuit and a second receiver circuit of the plurality of receiver circuits each comprise a signal input which is designed to receive a predetermined reference signal, and a modulation circuit which is designed to modulate the reference signal on the basis of a relevant control signal in order to generate a calibration signal for the relevant receiver circuit. The multi-channel receiving system comprises a feed circuit which is designed to apply the predetermined reference signal to the relevant signal input at least of the first receiver circuit and the second receiver circuit. The multi-channel receiving system also comprises a control circuit which is designed to generate the relevant control signal for at least the first receiver circuit and the second receiver circuit such that the reference signal is individually phase-modulated for the relevant receiver circuit by the relevant modulation circuit.