Time Space Coherence Interferometer RF Switch Sequencer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-field measurement systems for antenna phase fronts become expensive as measurement rates increase, and they reduce all characteristics of the transmitted wave to a single S21 transmission ratio, losing potentially useful metadata.
Innovation Solution
The use of reference signal coherence and time division multiple access (TDMA) to encode reference and signal data into data streams, allowing for the decoding of measurement parameters like S21 parameters and extracting metadata from the received complex I/Q data stream, utilizing a single input receiver and a sequencer circuit to control RF switches for efficient data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spatially scanning microwave interferometer with separate reference and signal paths is used to measure antenna phase front, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but system cost increases as measurement rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference path and signal path into a single receiver input by using time-division multiplexing. The RF switch alternately connects the receiver to the reference path and signal path, allowing both measurements to be performed through one receiver channel, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between reference and signal path measurements using an RF switch controlled by a sequencer. The switch alternates between connecting the receiver to the reference path and the signal path in periodic intervals, enabling time-division multiplexed measurement that reduces hardware complexity
2Device complexity
If all characteristics of the transmitted wave are reduced to a single S21 transmission ratio measurement, then measurement process is simplified, but potentially useful metadata is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data stream that carries both the S21 transmission ratio and additional metadata. The received signal is processed to extract not only the complex transmission ratio but also timing information and other characteristics, preserving useful information that would otherwise be lost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the received data stream into multiple components including S21 parameters, timing metadata, and other wave characteristics. By separating these elements during processing, the system can extract and retain multiple measurement parameters from a single measurement cycle
3Device complexity
If RF switches are used to time-division multiplex reference and signal paths through a single receiver, then system cost is reduced, but phase noise effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback through a sequencer circuit that coordinates the RF switch timing with the measurement process. The sequencer ensures that reference and signal measurements are taken in synchronized intervals, allowing for coherent processing that mitigates phase noise introduced by the switching action
4Loss of information
If measurement interval is extended to capture more wave characteristics, then metadata extraction is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous measurement capability by using overlapping measurement intervals. While one measurement is being taken, the system prepares the next measurement sequence, ensuring that the measurement process continues without interruption and that multiple parameters are captured efficiently within the same time frame
Data Source
AI summary
A time space coherence interferometer (TSCI) system is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention the TSCI system includes an interferometer in communication with an RF source and a receiver. The interferometer includes a first switch, a second switch, a transmit element, a receive element and a sequencer circuit, wherein the sequencer circuit is configured to alternate the first and second switches between first and second configurations. In a first configuration, the signal from the RF source is provided to the transmit element, where it is communicated to the receive element via a signal path, and provided to the receiver. In the second configuration, the signal from the RF source is provided to the receiver via a reference path. The switching sequence results in a complex ratio of the signal path signal to the reference path signal (e.g., an S21 transmission ratio) being provided to the receiver.