RF Unit Calibration via Random Signal Iteration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for radio frequency units are costly and complex, particularly when only amplitude information is available, as they require expensive equipment like vector network analyzers to measure phase and amplitude errors in antenna radiation patterns, especially in extreme situations or for array antennas.
Innovation Solution
A calibration and group testing system that uses a control device, signal source device, and measurement device to stimulate RF units with random phase and amplitude signals, performing iterative and convergence calculations on measurement results to obtain amplitude and phase difference information, even in situations lacking phase information, thereby reducing the need for expensive equipment and simplifying the calibration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vector network analyzer is used to measure both power and phase of radiated electromagnetic field, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary measurement information (power or amplitude) from the full set of electromagnetic field characteristics, eliminating the need to measure phase information. This is achieved by using power meters instead of vector network analyzers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for calibration purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive vector network analyzers with cheaper power meters that only measure amplitude or power. Although power meters provide less information than vector network analyzers, they are sufficiently adequate for the calibration task when combined with the iterative calculation approach, thus reducing device cost and complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If Discrete Fourier Transformation Formula is used to correct antenna array, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and calculation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the conventional Discrete Fourier Transformation approach that requires measuring both power and phase, the patent inverts the problem by using only power measurements and deriving the necessary calibration information through iterative calculation. The control device performs repeated calculations with different assumed phase values until convergence is achieved, thereby avoiding the complexity of direct Fourier transformation while achieving similar correction precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of power or amplitude information from all antenna elements before the actual calibration calculation. These preliminary measurements are then used as input for the iterative calculation process, allowing the system to converge to the correct calibration values without requiring complex real-time measurements during the calibration process
3Measurement precision
If both power and phase measurement equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to complicated measurement procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the power or amplitude information from the electromagnetic field measurements, eliminating the time-consuming phase measurement step. By using power meters that provide immediate amplitude readings without requiring complex phase detection procedures, the system achieves sufficient calibration accuracy much faster than conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an iterative calculation process that continuously refines the calibration values by repeating measurements and calculations until convergence is achieved. This continuous action allows the system to reach high precision calibration results efficiently, as each iteration builds upon the previous results rather than requiring complete re-measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration and group testing system for RF units and a method therefor are provided. The system includes a control device, a signal source device, a test platform, and a measurement device. M times of measurements are performed between the test platform and the measurement device. For each measurement, a microwave signal source is converted into random microwave signals with N random amplitudes and phases, and the RF units are respectively stimulated to output the random microwave signals superimposed on a measured path to form a measurement signal. The measurement device receives measurement signals of the M times of measurements and converts them into M pieces of measurement information, respectively. The control device solves the measurement information and performs iterative and convergent calculations on all solution results to obtain calibration information of the RF units in a specific state, thereby correcting the RF units according to the calibration information.