METHOD FOR ACCURATE AUTO-CALIBRATION OF PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS
First Claim
1. A method for receive array calibration of a phased array antenna system, wherein the phased array antenna system comprises a plurality of antenna elements, a beamsteering computer, and a calibration probe, comprising the steps of:
- (a) generating a broadband, bi-phase modulated input signal;
(b) exciting the calibration probe with the input signal;
(c) setting one of the plurality of antenna elements to receive;
(d) receiving the input signal radiated from the calibration probe at the antenna element set to receive;
(e) demodulating the received signal and analyzing it with the beamsteering computer to determine the health of the antenna element; and
(f) repeating the steps (c)-(e) for each remaining antenna element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed that is capable of verifying on site the health, calibration and integrity of individual phased array modules of a phased array antenna system and, in certain cases, enabling the phased array antenna system to overcome element failures by use of a beam-steering computer. The present disclosure provides a test probe or RF radiator in or adjacent the antenna array for supplying and receiving test and calibration signals.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for receive array calibration of a phased array antenna system, wherein the phased array antenna system comprises a plurality of antenna elements, a beamsteering computer, and a calibration probe, comprising the steps of:
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(a) generating a broadband, bi-phase modulated input signal; (b) exciting the calibration probe with the input signal; (c) setting one of the plurality of antenna elements to receive; (d) receiving the input signal radiated from the calibration probe at the antenna element set to receive; (e) demodulating the received signal and analyzing it with the beamsteering computer to determine the health of the antenna element; and (f) repeating the steps (c)-(e) for each remaining antenna element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for transmit array calibration of a phased array antenna system, wherein the phased array antenna system comprises a plurality of antenna elements, a beamsteering computer, and a calibration probe, comprising the steps of:
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(a) generating a broadband, bi-phase modulated input signal; (b) setting one of the plurality of antenna elements to transmit; (c) exciting the antenna element set to transmit with the input signal; (d) receiving the input signal radiated from the antenna element set to transmit at the calibration probe; (e) demodulating the received signal and analyzing it with the beamsteering computer to determine the health of the antenna element; and (f) repeating the steps (c)-(e) for each remaining antenna element. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A phased array antenna system with built-in test capability, comprising a beam forming network comprised of a plurality of individual antenna elements and individual control circuits for each individual antenna element;
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a calibration probe; an input source providing a modulated signal; and a beamsteering computer. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification