RF Loopback Calibration via Antenna Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods for radio transceivers require dedicated hardware, which increases design effort and cost, and often fail to fully calibrate final stages like Power Amplifiers or first stages like Low Noise Amplifiers, especially in multi-transceiver systems without additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
The method employs RF loopback via antenna coupling between transceivers to calibrate components in the transmit and receive paths without dedicated circuits, using the inherent radiofrequency coupling between antennas to measure and process calibration signals, allowing for full calibration of transceivers including external components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated calibration circuits or loopback paths are used, then calibration functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing transceiver components (transmitters and receivers) perform dual functions: their primary communication function and a calibration function. By having transmitters and receivers participate in mutual calibration through RF coupling, the system eliminates the need for dedicated calibration hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is self-service in that transceivers calibrate each other using their own existing components. Each transmitter calibrates receivers, and each receiver calibrates transmitters, creating a self-contained calibration mechanism that requires no external or dedicated calibration equipment
2Measurement precision
If traditional loopback methods are used, then some calibration is achieved, but full calibration of final stages and external components is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration process into two distinct phases: intra-transceiver calibration (using internal loopback paths) and inter-transceiver calibration (using RF coupling through antennas). This segmentation allows each phase to address specific calibration needs, with the inter-transceiver phase enabling calibration of final stages and external components that traditional methods cannot reach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF coupling through antennas as an intermediary mechanism for calibration. Instead of relying solely on internal loopback paths, the system uses the physical coupling between antennas of different transceivers as a medium to transmit calibration signals, enabling calibration of external components and final stages that are otherwise inaccessible
3Reliability
If dedicated calibration hardware is added, then calibration capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing transceiver components (transmitters and receivers) perform dual functions: their primary communication function and a calibration function. By having transmitters and receivers participate in mutual calibration through RF coupling, the system eliminates the need for dedicated calibration hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuses the inherent RF coupling between antennas for calibration purposes. Instead of discarding this physical phenomenon as interference or limitation, the system recovers it as a useful calibration channel, eliminating the need for additional hardware and reducing manufacturing costs
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 eliminates the need for additional hardware, enables accurate calibration of entire transceiver paths, including non-linear components, and supports higher bandwidths with better linearity, while dynamically adapting transmitters during operation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing RF coupling between antennas of the transceivers to transmit the calibration signal from the first transceiver to the second transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device, and system for calibrating one or more transceiver components in a multi-transceiver system are provided. The method includes sending a calibration signal through a transmit path of a first transceiver of the multi-transceiver system, resulting in transmission of the calibration signal from an antenna of the first transceiver; receiving, by an antenna of a second transceiver of the multi-transceiver system, the transmitted calibration signal, and processing the received calibration signal through a receive path of the second transceiver; and calibrating one or more components of the multi-transceiver system using the received and processed calibration signal.