RFIC Beamformer Calibration Using Lookup Tables and Sparse Test Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog phased array antenna systems suffer from misalignments and errors in RFIC beamformers, leading to transmission errors and degradation of performance, particularly in radar applications, due to improper excitation of antenna elements.
Innovation Solution
A calibration method is employed to measure and adjust the phase shift and attenuation components of RFIC beamformers using IQ type phase shifters and voltage gain adjustable attenuation controls, involving a calibration lookup table and extrapolation of data points to minimize testing time and resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used to measure and adjust phase shift and attenuation components, then calibration precision is improved, but processing time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores calibration data for various phase shifter and attenuator settings in a lookup table during the design phase. During actual operation, the system simply retrieves pre-computed calibration values based on current component settings, avoiding time-consuming real-time measurements and calculations while maintaining high calibration precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the calibration process into discrete segments by creating a lookup table with pre-computed calibration data for different combinations of phase shifter and attenuator settings. This segmentation allows the system to quickly retrieve specific calibration values without processing the entire calibration dataset, reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive calibration testing is performed on all RFIC beamformer components, then calibration accuracy is improved, but resource consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive calibration testing in advance and stores the results in a lookup table. This preliminary action captures all necessary calibration data before deployment, allowing the operational system to use simple table lookups instead of complex real-time calibration procedures, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the calibration data in the form of a lookup table that contains pre-computed calibration values. Instead of performing complex calibration calculations during operation, the system uses this copied data structure to quickly retrieve calibration parameters, reducing computational complexity while preserving calibration accuracy
3Reliability
If real-time calibration adjustments are made during operation, then beamforming accuracy is maintained, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes calibration adjustments for all possible phase shifter and attenuator settings and stores them in a lookup table. During operation, the system simply retrieves the appropriate calibration values based on current settings, enabling rapid beamforming accuracy maintenance without time-consuming real-time calculations or adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of real-time calibration adjustments with an electronic lookup table system. Instead of performing physical measurement and adjustment operations during operation, the system uses electronic retrieval of pre-computed values, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining beamforming accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibration of a phased array antenna system with reduced set of data points for optimized calibration. A system that identifies a constant gain circle and constant phase lines from measured results and selects a set of data points therein for testing.