Method for accurate auto-calibration of phased array antennas
First Claim
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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:
- (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;
wherein the phased array antenna system further comprises a plurality of individual element control circuits, wherein each of the individual element control circuits controls one of the plurality of antenna elements with respect to phase state, and wherein each antenna element set to receive is cycled through multiple phase states.
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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.
26 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; wherein the phased array antenna system further comprises a plurality of individual element control circuits, wherein each of the individual element control circuits controls one of the plurality of antenna elements with respect to phase state, and wherein each antenna element set to receive is cycled through multiple phase states. - 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; wherein the phased array antenna system further comprises a plurality of individual element control circuits, wherein each of the individual element control circuits controls one of the plurality of antenna elements with respect to phase state, and wherein each antenna element set to receive is cycled through multiple phase states. - 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; -
a calibration probe; an input source providing a modulated signal; and a beamsteering computer; wherein each of the individual control circuits controls one of the individual antenna elements with respect to phase state and attenuator state. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification