Shared-Segment RF Coupler Layout for Beam Phase Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beamforming antennas in cellular communication systems face performance degradation due to unintended phase variations in RF signal transmission paths, which affect the shape of the antenna beam and overall base station performance.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device comprising a plurality of couplers with specific structural sections that couple RF signals to output ports, allowing for calibration of phase variations, is integrated into the antenna to improve beamforming accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration devices are used to determine phase variations in RF transmission paths, then phase calibration accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and calibration circuit size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple couplers into a single integrated coupling device with a shared common segment. The first and second couplers are merged such that the second section of the first coupler's subline shares a common segment with the first section of the second coupler's subline, reducing redundant components and overall circuit size while maintaining calibration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves multiple functions: it couples RF signals from multiple transmission paths, provides calibration signals to the calibration device, and enables phase variation measurement across different channels. The common segment acts as a shared resource for multiple coupling operations, improving system efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate couplers are used to couple RF signals from different transmission paths, then signal coupling coverage is improved, but the overall device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple couplers are merged into a single coupling device structure where the first and second couplers share a common segment in their sublines. This integration reduces the total device area while maintaining the ability to couple signals from multiple RF transmission paths through different coupling units.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device employs a nested structure where the common segment is shared between the first and second couplers. The sublines of different couplers are arranged such that sections overlap and share the common segment, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall device footprint.
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
The coupling device enhances antenna beamforming by accurately calibrating phase variations, leading to improved antenna performance and reduced calibration circuit size, resulting in more efficient and compact beamforming systems.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling device in the form of a series of RF couplers that couple a small amount of the RF energy from each RF transmission channel in the antenna 700
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling device comprising a plurality of couplers, a first coupled output port and a second coupled output port, wherein the plurality of couplers comprise a first coupler and a second coupler that are adjacent one another, and each of the first coupler and the second coupler comprises a main line and a subline, and for each of the first coupler and the second coupler: the subline includes a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein the first section is located on a first side of the main line and forms a first coupling unit with the main line such that a first portion of a signal passed on the main line is coupled to the first section to generate a first coupled signal; the first section is coupled to the first coupled output port and configured to pass the first coupled signal to the first coupled output port; the second section is located on a second side of the main line and forms a second coupling unit with the main line such that a second portion of the signal passed on the main line is coupled to the second section to generate a second coupled signal; the second section is coupled to the second coupled output port and configured to pass the second coupled signal to the second coupled output port; and the third section couples the first section to the second section, wherein the second section of the subline of the first coupler has a common segment with the first section of the subline of the second coupler.