Active Transceiver Array Calibration via Signal Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active transceiver arrays in wireless telecommunications face challenges in calibration due to environmental changes and the need for high availability, as existing calibration methods require offline systems, are costly, or not feasible in field deployments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a comparator unit in each transceiver module to compare primary and processed signals, allowing for real-time calibration using modulated data traffic signals and a phase stable distribution network, such as a standing wave line, for accurate phase and amplitude adjustments without the need for test signals or dedicated receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional offline calibration methods are used, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but system availability decreases and operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous calibration by comparing the signal transmitted by each antenna element with the signal received by other antenna elements in real-time during normal operation. This allows calibration to occur without interruption to system operation, maintaining both accuracy and availability simultaneously through ongoing signal comparison and adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated test signals and receivers are used for calibration, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna elements themselves serve dual purposes: they function both as transmit antennas and as receive antennas for calibration purposes. The existing communication signals are used for both data transmission and calibration measurement, eliminating the need for separate test signal generators and dedicated receivers, thus reducing hardware complexity while maintaining calibration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by using its own transmitted signals as the reference and its own receiving antennas to measure the calibration parameters. Each antenna element compares the signal it transmits with signals received from other elements, enabling the system to calibrate itself without external test equipment or additional hardware.
3Measurement precision
If frequent calibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process operates continuously in the background during normal system operation rather than requiring periodic shutdowns. The signal comparison and adjustment occur in real-time using the ongoing communication traffic, ensuring calibration accuracy is maintained without interrupting productivity or causing time loss.
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
Enables continuous, dynamic, and cost-effective calibration of active transceiver arrays during operation, maintaining high reliability and availability, and allowing for scalable systems without significant hardware or computational resource overhead.
Implementation Method 1
a phase stable distribution network, such as a standing wave line, for accurate phase and amplitude adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
An active transceiver array for a wireless telecommunications network. The transceiver array comprises a plurality of calibratable transceiver modules. Each transceiver module comprises a transceiver chain operable to process a primary signal and generate a processed primary signal; a comparator unit operable to compare said primary signal and said processed primary signal to determine a transceiver chain error induced by said transceiver chain in said processed primary signal; and a correction unit which uses the transceiver error to correct said primary signal to be processed by said transceiver chain.