Signal Path Phase Comparison for Phased-Array Radar Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased-array radars face challenges in accurately testing and adjusting the phase shift and attenuation of signal paths between antenna elements and the exciter, which affects beam steering and reception efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a comparator within the signal path to compare phases and amplitudes at different points along the signal path, allowing for adjustments to phase shifters and attenuators to achieve uniform phase shift and attenuation across multiple signal paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used for signal paths, then the testing process is simple, but the measurement precision of phase shift and attenuation uniformity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is segmented into multiple independent signal paths, each with its own comparator. This allows parallel testing of multiple signal paths simultaneously, improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Comparators are introduced as intermediary devices to accurately measure and compare phase shifts and attenuation levels between different signal paths. These comparators serve as mediators that enable precise measurement without requiring direct complex interactions between signal paths.
2Productivity
If multiple signal paths are tested simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into multiple independent signal paths with dedicated comparators for each path. This segmentation enables simultaneous testing of multiple paths (improving productivity) while keeping each testing unit relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple signal paths are merged into a common testing framework where comparators can simultaneously process multiple inputs. This combining approach allows parallel testing operations, increasing productivity without requiring completely separate testing systems for each path.
3Manufacturing precision
If phase shifters are adjusted to achieve uniform phase shift, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The comparators provide feedback information about phase shift differences and attenuation variations. This feedback enables automated or guided adjustment of phase shifters, improving manufacturing precision while simplifying the operation through clear directional guidance rather than trial-and-error adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment of phase shifters is replaced or supplemented by automated control systems that use comparator feedback. This substitution improves manufacturing precision through consistent, repeatable adjustments while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to testing one or more signal paths. For example, a signal path may include a phase shifter that may impart a phase shift to signals passing through the signal path. Some embodiments may test a phase shift imparted to a signal by the signal path, including the phase shifter. Some embodiments may test the phase shift by comparing the phase of a signal at an input of the signal path with the phase of a signal at the output of the signal path. Some embodiments may test the phase shift by providing a signal at inputs of two phase paths and comparing the phases of signals at the outputs of the signal paths. Some embodiments may further adjust a phase shifter responsive to the test. Related devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.