RF Channel Phase Measurement Using Non-Uniform Test Phase Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF devices face challenges in achieving precise phase settings for RF transmission channels, leading to inaccurate angle detection and spectral component issues, particularly in radar applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize non-uniformly distributed values in a discrete Fourier transformation operation to determine phase information, compensating for phase deviations in test phase shifters, thereby improving phase accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional uniform phase shift values are used in phase measurement, then the measurement process is simple, but phase measurement accuracy deteriorates due to phase deviations in test phase shifters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter distribution of phase shift values from uniform to non-uniform. Specifically, it uses a cosine distribution where phase shift values are concentrated around 0 and 180 degrees, which optimizes the sensitivity of phase measurements and compensates for deviations in test phase shifters, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional uniform sampling approach with a mathematically optimized non-uniform sampling scheme based on cosine distribution. This substitution transforms the measurement strategy from a straightforward uniform sequence to one requiring coordinate transformation and iterative optimization, achieving higher precision through mathematical compensation rather than hardware improvement
2Measurement precision
If accurate phase settings are implemented, then angle detection accuracy improves, but spectral sidebands increase due to precise phase adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful spectral sidebands into useful measurement information. By intentionally introducing controlled phase deviations through non-uniform phase shift values, the method creates spectral components that, when properly processed through coordinate transformation, provide enhanced phase measurement capability while the apparent harmful sidebands are actually utilized for calibration and accuracy improvement
3Measurement precision
If non-uniformly distributed values are applied in Fourier transformation, then phase measurement accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary coordinate transformation of the measurement data before applying the Fourier transformation. By pre-processing the signals to account for the non-uniform phase distribution, the method simplifies the subsequent computational steps and enables the use of optimized algorithms that reduce the overall computational burden while maintaining high measurement accuracy
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
Enhances phase measurement accuracy, reducing spectral sidebands and improving angle resolution in RF transmission channels.
Implementation Method 1
generating a down-converted signal based on mixing a representation of the RF output signal with each respective RF test signal of the set of RF test signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining phase information related to an RF transmission channel includes generating an RF signal, coupling a first representation of the RF signal to the RF transmission channel to generate an RF output signal, and coupling a second representation of the RF signal to a test phase shifter. Generating a down-converted signal based on mixing a representation of the RF output signal with each respective RF test signal of a set of RF test signals, sampling the down-converted signal to generate for each target phase shift value of a set of predetermined target phase shift values a respective measurement sample of a set of measurement samples. A set of non-uniformly distributed values is applied in an operation acting on a set of measurement samples to determine first-order harmonic information, and the phase information related to the RF transmission channel is determined based on the first-order harmonic information.