Transmitter Chip Amplitude Phase Calibration Antenna Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems with multi-antenna arrays face signal parameter deviations due to process variations, component mismatches, and aging, leading to degraded transmission and reception, necessitating a calibration system to minimize these deviations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calibrating signal parameters at a transmitter chip in an antenna array, involving intra-chip and inter-chip calibration using selection circuits, adders/subtractors, signal strength indicators, feedback circuits, and calibration controllers to adjust phase and amplitude settings across multiple transmit and receive paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-antenna array system is used for beam forming and beam steering, then wireless communication capacity is enhanced, but signal parameter deviation occurs due to process variation, component mismatch, and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements calibration procedures before actual wireless communication operations to pre-correct signal parameter deviations. The calibration system measures and adjusts amplitude and phase offsets in advance, storing calibration data that compensates for process variations, component mismatches, and aging effects before they degrade communication performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the calibration system continuously monitors signal parameters from multiple antenna elements and adjusts amplitude and phase settings based on measured deviations. The system uses feedback loops to detect parameter drift due to aging and process variations, automatically correcting these deviations to maintain reliable beam forming and steering operations.
2Reliability
If calibration system is implemented to correct signal parameter deviations, then signal transmission and reception quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the calibration system with the existing multi-antenna array structure, combining calibration functions with normal communication operations. The calibration circuitry is merged with the antenna elements and signal processing paths, allowing amplitude and phase calibration to be performed using the same hardware resources without requiring entirely separate calibration equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to be self-calibrating, where the antenna array itself generates test signals and measures its own parameter deviations. The system uses internal reference signals and self-measurement capabilities to detect and correct its own amplitude and phase offsets without requiring external calibration equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Select, from transmit paths within the transmitter chip, a first transmit path for a first transmit signal and a second transmit path for a second transmit signal. The transmit paths are associated with a plurality of antenna elements of an antenna array. Determine of an added signal and/or a subtracted signal associated with the first transmit signal and the second transmit signal. Determine at least one of a first signal strength value of the added signal or a second signal strength value of the subtracted signal. Adjust a first signal parameter of the second transmit signal relative to a corresponding first signal parameter of the first transmit signal until the first signal strength value is a first value or the second signal strength value is a second value. Calibrate an offset of the corresponding first signal parameter based on the adjusted first signal parameter in the second transmit path.