EP1804334A1 - Phasengesteuerte Gruppenantenne - Google Patents

Phasengesteuerte Gruppenantenne Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1804334A1
EP1804334A1 EP05078009A EP05078009A EP1804334A1 EP 1804334 A1 EP1804334 A1 EP 1804334A1 EP 05078009 A EP05078009 A EP 05078009A EP 05078009 A EP05078009 A EP 05078009A EP 1804334 A1 EP1804334 A1 EP 1804334A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signals
antenna
antenna outputs
phase correction
products
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05078009A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Henricus Wilhelmus Leon Naus
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
Original Assignee
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO filed Critical Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
Priority to EP05078009A priority Critical patent/EP1804334A1/de
Priority to PCT/NL2006/000668 priority patent/WO2007075083A1/en
Priority to DE602006010907T priority patent/DE602006010907D1/de
Priority to AT06843925T priority patent/ATE450903T1/de
Priority to EP06843925A priority patent/EP1969673B1/de
Publication of EP1804334A1 publication Critical patent/EP1804334A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/267—Phased-array testing or checking devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a phase array antenna apparatus, and a calibration method for such an apparatus.
  • Phased array antennas are well known.
  • a simple example of a phased array antenna comprises a plurality of antenna elements located at mutually different positions in a plane. Signals from antenna outputs of respective elements are added to form the output signal of the antenna. With such an antenna a sharp main lobe in a main direction perpendicular to the plane can be realized, because signals from that direction interfere constructively.
  • Known calibration methods comprise using a transmitter to transmit calibration radiation in the form of sine wave radiation to the phased array antenna, and comparing the phase of the sine wave signals from each antenna output with the phase of the sine wave signal from a reference antenna output. The resulting phase differences are subsequently used to control respective amounts of compensating phase shift that are introduced between respective antenna outputs and the point where the signals are summed.
  • This method of calibration has the problem that a special calibration set-up involving transmission of such calibration radiation is needed. This would require permanent transmission of such sine wave radiation if it is desirable to calibrate the phased array antenna "in the field", at arbitrary time points, for example when mechanical operating conditions or temperature variations etc. make testing desirable.
  • a method and device for calibrating a phased array antenna are set out in the independent claims.
  • Hilbert transforms of signals from the antenna outputs are used to compute complex phase vectors for the different antenna outputs.
  • the phase correction factors between the antenna outputs are estimated from products of these phase vectors. Because a Hilbert transform is used, the calibration method works even if no perfect sine wave radiation is available for calibration.
  • the phased array antenna may be directed for example at any transmitter for which the direction is known, to obtain a calibration even if that transmitter transmits modulated signals over a frequency band of some width.
  • FIG. 1 shows a receiver apparatus comprising a phased array antenna 10 with a plurality of antenna outputs 12, adaptable attenuator circuits 15, adaptable phase correction circuits 18, a combination circuit 19 and a signal processing circuit 20.
  • Each antenna output 12 is coupled to combination circuit 19 via a respective chain containing a series arrangement of an adaptable attenuator circuit 15 and an adaptable phase correction circuit 18.
  • Combination circuit 19 has a result output coupled to data processing circuit 20.
  • Phase correction circuits 18 may be implemented for example as adaptable phase correction circuits, or as digital phase correction circuits.
  • phase array antenna 10 comprises a plurality of discrete antenna elements (not shown) placed at mutually different spatial positions, each element being coupled to a respective one of the antenna outputs.
  • Antenna elements distributed over a flat plane may be used for example, but alternatively positions that are not limited to a single plane may be used.
  • an integrated structure instead of an array of separate antenna elements an integrated structure may be used, which has different antenna outputs (for example a waveguide structure with different tap points corresponding to different antenna outputs).
  • phased array antenna 10 receives incoming radiation and outputs resulting signals at antenna outputs 12. Signals from different elements outputs 12 are attenuated by adaptable attenuator circuits 15 and their phase is changed by different set amounts by adaptable phase correction circuits 18. The phase correction is realized for example by delaying each signal by a respective set amount of delay. Combination circuit 19 adds the resulting signals, optionally after another, predetermined phase adjustment. The resulting sum signal is fed to signal processing circuit 20.
  • adjustable attenuator circuits 15 may be omitted.
  • Figure 2 shows another embodiment where signal combination takes place at a digital level.
  • this figure contains a local oscillator 11, mixers 14, analog to digital converters 16.
  • Each chain contains a series arrangement of a mixer 14, an analog to digital converter 16 and an adaptable phase correction circuit 18.
  • Local oscillator 11 is coupled to local oscillator inputs of mixers 14.
  • combination circuit 19 is a digital signal processing circuit that is configured to add signals obtained from different antenna outputs 12.
  • Adaptable phase correction circuits 18 may be part of the digital processing circuit. Phase correction may be performed for example by combining samples for different time points for different antenna outputs 12, optionally interpolating between sample values.
  • the signals derived from the respective antenna outputs may be multiplied with respective complex factors, whose phases correspond to the respective phase corrections.
  • analog signal adaptable phase correction circuits 18 may be used, inserted in front of mixers 14, or between mixers 14 and analog to digital converters 16. Furthermore, the addition of signals may be performed at an analog stage after mixing or even before mixing. In such an embodiment the adaptable phase correction circuits 18 are included between the stage where adding is performed and the antenna outputs 12.
  • Calibration involves setting differences between the amounts of phase correction introduced by adaptable phase correction circuits 18.
  • phased array antenna 10 is directed at a known angle to a reference transmitter and preferably directed at the reference transmitter. Signals from individual antenna outputs are processed separately.
  • combination circuit 19 is set to a mode wherein signals from a selected pair of antenna outputs 12 are passed.
  • combination circuit 19 digitally selects a pair of signals.
  • Signal processing circuit 20 receives these signals and digitizes these signals if still necessary, by using sampling and analog to digital conversion.
  • Form the digital signals S1, S2 from the pair of antenna outputs signal processing circuit (20) computes Hilbert transform signal H(S1), H(S2) of the antenna output signals.
  • the analytic Hilbert transform of a signal S(t') as a function of time t' is known per se and corresponds to the principal value of an integral over time t' of S t ⁇ / t - t ⁇
  • the principal value of the integral is defined in terms of the value P of the integral of S(t')/(t-t') over t' from minus infinity to t-x plus the integral of S(t')/(t-t') from t+x to infinity.
  • the principle value is the limit value of P when x approaches zero from above.
  • Hilbert transform is used for the result of a computation that computes the integral defined above as well as for results of computations that compute approximations of this integral.
  • interpolation functions are defined which can be used to find an interpolated value of the signal s for any time point a sum of the products of respective sample values s(na) and respective interpolation functions of the signal.
  • Hilbert transform of the signal can be expressed in terms of the Hilbert transforms of the interpolation functions times the sample values.
  • s(t) the sum over n may be limited to values of n for which s(na) is not negligible.
  • a similar expression can be derived for band limited signals whose spectral content is limited in a limited high frequency band. Interpolation functions for this are known per se.
  • phase value arctg ⁇ ⁇ AV ⁇ H S ⁇ 1 * S ⁇ 2 - S ⁇ 1 * H S ⁇ 2 ⁇ / AV ⁇ S ⁇ 1 * S ⁇ 2 + H S ⁇ 1 * H S ⁇ 2
  • This deviation D is subsequently used to adjust amounts of phase correction provided by at least one of the phase correction circuits 18 for the pair of antenna outputs, so that the difference between the amounts phase correction is changed by a phase change that corresponds to minus the deviation D for the operating frequency of the antenna (or a frequency in an operating band of the antenna, e.g. a central frequency in that band).
  • deviations D are determined in this way for respective pairs of antenna outputs 12 that each contain the same reference antenna output and a respective one of the other antenna outputs 12.
  • combination circuit 19 is switched successively to pass signals for respective different pairs of antenna outputs 12.
  • the amount of phase correction of each respective one of the other antenna outputs 12 is adjusted according to the deviation D involving that respective one of the other antenna outputs 12. (Obviously, no adaptable phase correction circuit 18 is needed for the reference antenna output 12 in this embodiment).
  • deviations D(i, j) between more antenna outputs 12 may be determined and the amounts of adjustment A(k)for different antenna outputs 12 (labeled k) may be selected to as to minimize a sum of squares of (D(i,j) -A(i)+A(j)).
  • time-averages of products M of signals from pairs of antenna outputs 12 it should be appreciated that alternatively not averaged signals may be used. However, this increases dependence on noise and/or modulation of the signals.
  • an averaging time interval is used that exceeds an inverse of a modulation bandwidth of the signals. More preferably this bandwidth is exceeded by at least a factor of ten.
  • the integration time is preferably selected at least so long that the signal to noise ratio of the average is at least ten. Because the average is determined for the product of the phase vectors and not for the phase values errors due to the periodic nature of phase values are avoided.
  • phase adjustments can be estimated for example by minimizing a quality criterion like a sum of squares of (AV[M(i,j)] - R(i,j;-A)), wherein M(i,j) are different products of computed phase vectors and R(i,j;-A) are predicted products for different sets of phase adjustments A.
  • AV[M(i,j)] - R(i,j;-A) a quality criterion
  • M(i,j) are different products of computed phase vectors
  • R(i,j;-A) are predicted products for different sets of phase adjustments A.
  • N(i,j) nominal designed phase difference N(i,j) equal to zero.
  • phase difference N(i,j) may be used, for example when the antenna is known to be directed at an angle to the reference transmitter, or if corrections must be made because the reference transmitter is not in the far field with respect to phase array antenna 10, or if the design of the antenna is such that different phase differences are required (e.g. for nulling purposes, or due to the arrangement of antenna elements).
  • the computations for the calibration are preferably performed by a signal processing circuit 20 in the apparatus, which also sends electronic control signals to adaptable phase correction circuits 18 to adapt the phase corrections according the calibration.
  • signal processing circuit 20 switches from a normal operating mode to a calibration mode to perform calibration.
  • Such a mode switch may be accomplished for example by executing different parts of a program of signal processing circuit 20.
  • combination circuit 19 is switched to a mode wherein respective signals derived from pairs of antenna outputs are passed to signal processing circuit 20.
  • calibration may be performed by combination circuit 19.
  • the required processing may be performed by one or more programmable digital signal processors, programmed with a program to perform the required operations.
  • phase corrections are also applied using the Hilbert transform.
  • the average AV is taken over time.
  • the factor F(j) is normalized by dividing it by its absolute value (for example if the antenna outputs are designed to output different strength-signals, but in this case alternatively a predetermined design-dependent normalization may also be used).
  • Fc(j) is the complex conjugate of F(j).
  • the signals Yj are then combined (summed) to form an antenna output signal.
  • no arctangent needs to be computed at all, so that uncertainty about 360 degree phase errors is avoided.
  • said summing may involve using predetermined, designed phase factors and/or weighting factors used to realize a desired antenna pattern. These factors may be integrated in the factor F(j) in order to reduce the amount of computation
  • combination circuit 19 isolates signals from pairs of antenna outputs 12
  • alternatively dedicated circuits may be used to obtain signals from respective antenna outputs in isolation.
  • a calibration circuit may be provided that is at least partly distinct from the normal operating circuit.
  • a calibration circuit is part of the apparatus, but alternatively a detachable calibration unit may be used.
  • phase correction circuits 18 are used in reverse for transmission.
  • similar phase correction circuits coupled from a transmitter part of the apparatus to antenna outputs 12 may be used, which are set to corresponding amounts of phase correction as in the receiver.

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  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
EP05078009A 2005-12-27 2005-12-27 Phasengesteuerte Gruppenantenne Withdrawn EP1804334A1 (de)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05078009A EP1804334A1 (de) 2005-12-27 2005-12-27 Phasengesteuerte Gruppenantenne
PCT/NL2006/000668 WO2007075083A1 (en) 2005-12-27 2006-12-27 Phased array antenna apparatus
DE602006010907T DE602006010907D1 (de) 2005-12-27 2006-12-27 Phasengesteuerte gruppenantennenvorrichtung
AT06843925T ATE450903T1 (de) 2005-12-27 2006-12-27 Phasengesteuerte gruppenantennenvorrichtung
EP06843925A EP1969673B1 (de) 2005-12-27 2006-12-27 Phasengesteuerte gruppenantennenvorrichtung

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05078009A EP1804334A1 (de) 2005-12-27 2005-12-27 Phasengesteuerte Gruppenantenne

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1804334A1 true EP1804334A1 (de) 2007-07-04

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EP05078009A Withdrawn EP1804334A1 (de) 2005-12-27 2005-12-27 Phasengesteuerte Gruppenantenne
EP06843925A Not-in-force EP1969673B1 (de) 2005-12-27 2006-12-27 Phasengesteuerte gruppenantennenvorrichtung

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06843925A Not-in-force EP1969673B1 (de) 2005-12-27 2006-12-27 Phasengesteuerte gruppenantennenvorrichtung

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EP (2) EP1804334A1 (de)
AT (1) ATE450903T1 (de)
DE (1) DE602006010907D1 (de)
WO (1) WO2007075083A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112526430A (zh) * 2020-12-09 2021-03-19 中国航空工业集团公司北京长城计量测试技术研究所 一种飞机电源供电特性频率瞬变参数校准方法

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5187486A (en) * 1990-04-14 1993-02-16 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Aktiengesellschaft Method of and apparatus for automatically calibrating a phased-array antenna
US5187719A (en) * 1989-01-13 1993-02-16 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and apparatus for measuring modulation accuracy
US6462704B2 (en) * 2000-02-01 2002-10-08 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Array antenna calibration

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5187719A (en) * 1989-01-13 1993-02-16 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and apparatus for measuring modulation accuracy
US5187486A (en) * 1990-04-14 1993-02-16 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Aktiengesellschaft Method of and apparatus for automatically calibrating a phased-array antenna
US6462704B2 (en) * 2000-02-01 2002-10-08 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Array antenna calibration

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
S.L. HAHN: "HILBERT TRANSFORMS IN SIGNAL PROCESSING", 1996, ARTECH HOUSE, INC.

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112526430A (zh) * 2020-12-09 2021-03-19 中国航空工业集团公司北京长城计量测试技术研究所 一种飞机电源供电特性频率瞬变参数校准方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007075083A1 (en) 2007-07-05
EP1969673B1 (de) 2009-12-02
EP1969673A1 (de) 2008-09-17
ATE450903T1 (de) 2009-12-15
DE602006010907D1 (de) 2010-01-14

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