Calibrated Switchable Bridging Block for RF Chain Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack effective methods for calibrating RF chains in real-time, especially in dynamic environments, which affects the efficiency and accuracy of beam-forming and data throughput.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system that includes a transceiver with RF chain pairs and a sounding circuit block, utilizing a calibrated switchable bridging block and calibration control logic to estimate and compensate for channel characteristics of both transmit and receive chains through sounding sequences, allowing for continuous calibration and optimization of signal flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beam-forming techniques and MIMO circuits are integrated to extend range and improve data throughput, then communication performance is enhanced, but system complexity increases and requires multiple TX/RX chains that need calibration
Solution Approach 1:
A calibration circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the TX and RX chains. This calibration circuit includes a calibrated switchable bridging block that can switch between normal signal transmission mode and calibration mode, mediating the interaction between multiple RF chains and enabling systematic calibration without requiring external equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sounding signals are transmitted through the RF chains and the received signals are fed back to estimate channel characteristics. The calibration control logic uses this feedback information to generate compensation coefficients that are applied back to the RF chains, creating a closed-loop calibration system
2Reliability
If multiple RF chain pairs are used for beam-forming and MIMO, then signal quality and range are improved, but calibration of these chains becomes necessary and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration functions for multiple RF chains are merged into a single integrated calibration circuit. The calibrated switchable bridging block combines multiple switches that can simultaneously or sequentially connect different RF chains to the calibration path, allowing unified calibration management across all chains rather than separate calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration circuit serves as an intermediary that simplifies the calibration process by providing a standardized interface between RF chains and the calibration control logic. The calibrated switchable bridging block mediates the connection between RF chains and calibration components, abstracting the complexity of multi-chain calibration
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time calibration is implemented to compensate for channel variations, then system performance is maintained in dynamic environments, but additional circuitry and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The calibrated switchable bridging block can switch between calibration mode and normal operation mode, and the calibration control logic can initiate calibration sequences at different times based on environmental conditions. The compensation coefficients can be updated periodically or on-demand to adapt to changing channel characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration circuit is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The calibrated switchable bridging block can handle both normal signal transmission and calibration functions. The calibration control logic can manage calibration for different types of RF chains (TX and RX) using the same basic circuit structure, making the calibration system universally applicable across different configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are wireless communication systems and methods for calibrating same. The communication systems may include first wireless transceivers having: (a) a modem, and (b) one or more Radio Frequency (RF) chain pairs. There may also be included a sounding circuit block. A calibrated switchable bridging block (CSBB) may switchably couple signals between the first transceivers and the sounding circuit block. Calibration control logic may regulate signal flow through said CSBB during a sounding sequence of said first wireless transceiver and may apply compensation coefficients to RF compensation circuits functionally associated with said the wireless transceiver RF chain pairs.