KR102272880B1 - Method and device for error correction of active phased array antenna system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for correcting an error of an active phased array antenna system, which extracts the characteristics of a semiconductor transceiver configured by a combination of many transceiver modules and which can correct an error in a signal transceiving process using the extracted characteristics. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises: a semiconductor transceiving device including a plurality of semiconductor transceivers; an amplifier for outputting a test signal for detecting transmission characteristic values of the semiconductor transceivers; a transmission path used for signal transmission, and formed between an RF transmission output terminal of the amplifier and an RF input terminal of the semiconductor transceivers; a correction signal distributor for collecting and distributing the transmission characteristic values from the semiconductor transceivers inputting a test signal through the transmission path; a receiver including C1 to CJ reception channels used when detecting the transmission characteristic values of the semiconductor transceivers; a receiver correction signal distributor for distributing the transmission characteristic values collected through the correction signal distributor to the C1 to CJ reception channels of the receiver; and an antenna compensator for generating a lookup table of transmission correction values of the semiconductor transceivers using the transmission characteristic values stored in the C1 to CJ reception channels of the receiver.

Description

Method and device for error correction of active phased array antenna system

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for correcting an error of an active phased array antenna system, and more particularly, extracting characteristics of a semiconductor transceiver composed of a combination of numerous transceiver modules, and using this to correct errors in the signal transmission and reception process It relates to an error correction method and apparatus of an active phased array antenna system.

The content described in this section merely provides background information for the present embodiment and does not constitute the prior art.

The active phased array antenna system has a structure in which a plurality of semiconductor transceivers (TRM: Transmit/Receive Module) and a phaser are used to transmit and receive each of the multi-array antennas. Such an active phased array antenna system can control the shape of the antenna beam pattern and the beam forming direction by adjusting the signal size and phase of a plurality of configured TR modules.

In particular, a semiconductor transceiver and a beam steerer occupy a very large portion in the active phased array antenna system. In addition, the number of semiconductor transceivers constituting the active phased array antenna system may reach thousands.

Therefore, in operating the active phased array antenna system, if the RF transmission/reception characteristics of the semiconductor transceiver change due to the passage of time and external environmental influences, the performance of the system is adversely affected. In particular, since the ridged phased array antenna system is used for enemy detection in the military operation system, fast and accurate signal transmission and reception is a very important factor.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1021677 (Title of Invention: Error Correction Device and Method of Active Phased Array Antenna System)

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an error correction method and apparatus for an active phased array antenna system capable of detecting characteristics of a semiconductor transceiver constituting an active phased array antenna system and correcting an error during signal transmission and reception using this.

Another object of the present invention is to detect the characteristics of the semiconductor transceiver constituting the active phased array antenna system, the characteristics of the receiver and the characteristics of the semiconductor transceiver in which the leakage component characteristics on the transmission and reception path are excluded. To provide an error correction method and apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an error correction method and apparatus for an active phased array antenna system capable of real-time control of correction using a semiconductor transceiver when detecting characteristics of a semiconductor transceiver constituting an active phased array antenna system.

In order to solve the above technical problems, an error correction apparatus of an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a semiconductor transceiver comprising a plurality of semiconductor transceivers; an amplifier for outputting a test signal for detecting transmission characteristic values of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers; a transmission path used for signal transmission and formed between the RF transmission output terminal of the amplifier and the RF input terminal of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers; a correction signal distributor for collecting and distributing transmission characteristic values from a plurality of semiconductor transceivers to which test signals are input through transmission paths; a receiver including C1 to CJ reception channels used when detecting transmission characteristic values of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers; a receiver correction signal distributor for distributing the transmission characteristic values collected through the correction signal distributor to C1~CJ reception channels of the receiver; and an antenna compensator for generating a lookup table of transmission correction values of the semiconductor transceiver by using transmission characteristic values stored in C1 to CJ reception channels of the receiver.

Preferably, it includes a beam steerer for controlling the correction of the semiconductor transceiver in the transmission/reception mode using the lookup table generated by the antenna compensator.

Preferably, a plurality of semiconductor transceivers included in the semiconductor transceiver unit is divided into N columns, and the correction signal divider collects transmission characteristic values for each column for a plurality of semiconductor transceivers that are unit-divided into N columns.

Preferably, the apparatus includes an antenna controller performing control for detecting a transmission characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver, and the antenna controller sequentially controls collection of transmission characteristic values for a plurality of semiconductor transceivers through a predetermined schedule.

Preferably, the receiver including C1 to CJ reception channels detects and stores the transmission characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver in each channel, and transmits the detected transmission characteristic value to the antenna compensator under the control of the antenna controller.

Preferably, the number of semiconductor transceivers per one reception channel of the receiver is set as a value obtained by dividing the total number of semiconductor transceivers by the number of reception channels.

Preferably, the transmission path includes: a transmission signal divider for distributing the test signal output from the amplifier to M paths; a sub-array divider that inputs a test signal from the transmit signal divider and transmits M RF signals; 1 to N column dividers for inputting the test signal of the sub-array divider and transmitting the test signal to the semiconductor transceiver of the corresponding column among a plurality of semiconductor transceivers.

Preferably, the amplifier uses a transmission signal amplifier that amplifies the transmission signal in the transmission mode, and the test signal output from the amplifier uses a general transmission signal.

Preferably, the antenna compensator stores characteristic values of C1 to CJ reception channels and leakage component values of transmission paths of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers, and leakage component values of transmission paths and characteristics of reception channels from transmission correction values of semiconductor transceivers. Construct a lookup table with values excluding values.

Preferably, the characteristic value of the C1 to CJ reception channels of the receiver is a value stored by the signal distributed by the receiver correction signal divider inputting the test signal output from the amplifier is transmitted to the C1 to CJ reception channels.

Preferably, the leakage component value of the transmission path consists of values transmitted and stored in C1 to CJ reception channels in a state in which all of the plurality of semiconductor transceivers are controlled in the off state.

In order to solve the above technical problem, the error correction method of the active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention distributes the test signal to C1 to CJ reception channels of the receiver using a test signal to detect the characteristic value of the receiver. step; detecting a leakage component value of a transmission path in a state in which all of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers constituting the active phase array antenna are turned off; transmitting a test signal to a plurality of semiconductor transceivers constituting the active phase array antenna, and distributing the detected signals to C1 to CJ reception channels of the receiver based on the test signals to detect a transmission characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver; and removing the leakage component value of the transmission path and the receiver characteristic value from the transmission characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver, and generating a lookup table for correction through comparison with a preset reference value.

In order to solve the above technical problems, an error correction apparatus of an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a semiconductor transceiver comprising a plurality of semiconductor transceivers; an amplifier for outputting a test signal for detecting reception characteristic values of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers; a correction signal divider that distributes the test signal output from the amplifier and transmits it to a plurality of semiconductor transceivers by column; a receiver having 1 to M reception channels used when receiving a signal using a plurality of semiconductor transceivers and used when detecting reception characteristic values of the plurality of semiconductor transceivers; a reception path used when receiving a signal and formed between 1 to M reception channels of the receiver from the RF output terminals of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers; and an antenna compensator for generating a lookup table of reception correction values of the semiconductor transceiver by using reception characteristic values stored in 1 to M reception channels of the receiver.

Preferably, it includes a beam steerer for controlling the correction of the semiconductor transceiver in the transmission/reception mode using the lookup table generated by the antenna compensator.

Preferably, a plurality of semiconductor transceivers included in the semiconductor transceiver device are unit-divided into N columns, and the correction signal divider transmits test signals to the plurality of semiconductor transceivers unit-divided into N columns for each column.

Preferably, the apparatus includes an antenna controller that controls to detect reception characteristic values of the semiconductor transceiver, and the antenna controller sequentially controls collection of reception characteristic values for a plurality of semiconductor transceivers through a predetermined schedule.

Preferably, the receiver including 1 to M reception channels detects and stores the reception characteristic values of the semiconductor transceiver in each channel, and transmits the reception characteristic values detected under the control of the antenna controller to the antenna compensator.

Preferably, the receiving path includes: 1 to N column divider for collecting signals output from the semiconductor transceiver; It includes a sub-array divider for transmitting the output signal of the divider to the corresponding channel.

Preferably, the amplifier uses a transmission signal amplifier that amplifies the transmission signal in the transmission mode, and the test signal output from the amplifier is transmitted to the semiconductor transceiver through a path other than the transmission path.

Preferably, the antenna compensator stores the characteristic values of 1 to M reception channels and the leakage component values of the reception paths of the plurality of semiconductor transceivers, and the leakage component values of the reception channels and the reception channel characteristics from the reception correction values of the semiconductor transceivers. Construct a lookup table with values excluding values.

Preferably, the characteristic value of 1 to M receiving channels of the receiver is a value stored by dividing the test signal output from the amplifier into 1 to M channel signals, and the distributed signal is transmitted to 1 to M receiving channels. is composed

Preferably, the leakage component value of the receiving path is composed of a value transmitted and stored in 1 to M receiving channels in a state in which all of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers are controlled in an off state.

In order to solve the above technical problem, the error correction method of the active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention is to distribute the test signal to 1 to M receiving channels of the receiver to detect the characteristic value of the receiver. step; detecting a leakage component value of a receiver path in a state in which all of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers constituting the active phase array antenna are turned off; transmitting a test signal to a plurality of semiconductor transceivers constituting the active phase array antenna, and distributing the detected signals to 1 to M receiving channels of the receiver based on the test signals to detect a reception characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver; and removing the leakage component value of the receiver path and the receiver characteristic value from the reception characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver, and generating a lookup table for correction through comparison with a preset reference value.

An error correction method and apparatus for an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention detects characteristics of a semiconductor transceiver composed of numerous transmission and reception modules in an active phased array antenna system, and corrects an error during signal transmission and reception using this do. In particular, in detecting the characteristics of the semiconductor transceiver constituting the active phase array antenna system, the present invention makes it possible to detect the characteristics of the semiconductor transceiver excluding the characteristics of the receiver and the leakage component characteristics on the transmission/reception path. Accordingly, the present invention can accurately detect the characteristics of a semiconductor transceiver, and thereby increase the accuracy of error correction during signal transmission and reception.

In addition, the present invention can control the correction using the semiconductor transceiver in real time when detecting the characteristics of the semiconductor transceiver constituting the active phase array antenna system. To this end, in the present invention, the lookup table value from which the final correction value is calculated by the beam steerer is used for correction of the semiconductor transceiver. And the lookup table compensation value is calculated by the amount of change in the characteristic value in the antenna compensator. Therefore, in the present invention, the operation of separately calculating the characteristic value change amount in the antenna compensator can be processed in parallel while the real-time compensation of the beam steering device is performed. That is, since a separate time for configuring the lookup table is not required, it is possible to increase the resource utilization of the system.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an error correction device of an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a detailed block diagram of an RF signal flow in a correction mode of a receiver in a transceiver in an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 sequentially shows paths (① to ⑥) of control data to be controlled when RF correction of the semiconductor transceiver is performed.
4 is a detailed block diagram of a transmission RF signal flow in a correction mode of a semiconductor transceiver in an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a detailed block diagram of a received RF signal flow in a correction mode of a semiconductor transceiver in an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of correcting a transmission path using RF transmission characteristic values detected on a transmission path of a semiconductor transceiver in the active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows a table in which terms used in the operation flowchart of FIG. 6 are arranged.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of correcting a reception path by using an RF reception characteristic value detected on a reception path of a semiconductor transceiver in the active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows a table in which terms used in the operation flowchart of FIG. 8 are arranged.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "part" and "group", "module" and "part", "unit" and "part", "device" and "system", "terminal" and "node" for components used in the description below. and "digital walkie-talkie" are given or mixed in consideration of the ease of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles by themselves.

In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical spirit disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including an ordinal number, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another component, it is understood that the other component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may exist in between. it should be On the other hand, when it is said that a certain element is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that no other element is present in the middle.

The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, terms such as "comprises" or "have" are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, but one or more other features It should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present invention.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an error correction device of an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The active phased array antenna system includes an antenna control device 100 , a transceiver 200 , and a semiconductor transceiver 300 . The active phased array antenna system operates in a general transmission/reception mode under the control of the antenna controller 100 and operates in an antenna correction mode according to a preset schedule.

The antenna control apparatus 100 includes an antenna controller 110 , an antenna compensator 120 , a beam steerer 130 , and the like. The antenna controller 110 performs a processor function of the antenna controller. The antenna compensator 120 stores the RF characteristic data of the receiver 210 detected in the correction mode and the RF characteristic data of the semiconductor transceiver 310, and performs transmission path correction and reception path correction using the data stored in the general transmission/reception mode. make it happen The beam steerer 130 generates signals for controlling the shape of the antenna beam pattern and the beam forming direction for controlling the semiconductor transceiver 310 under the control of the antenna controller 110 .

The transceiver 200 includes a receiver 210 of an M+CJ channel, a frequency synthesizer 220 , a waveform generator 230 , a transmission signal amplifier 240 , and the like. The frequency synthesizer 220 , the waveform generator 230 , and the transmission signal amplifier 240 are configurations used when transmitting a radar signal through an antenna, and also use a known configuration.

The receiver 210 is composed of M+CJ channels, and a signal received through the semiconductor transceiver 310 is divided into each channel signal, converted into an intermediate frequency signal, and output. In the receiver 210, 1 to M channels are channels for receiving a general reception signal, and are channels used to detect a characteristic value of a reception path. And, the C1 to CJ channels of the receiver 210 are channels used to detect the characteristic value of the transmission path. The channels of C1~CJ receivers can be adjusted appropriately according to the performance and conditions of the system.

The receiver 210 is configured to extract the characteristics of each channel composed of M+CJ in the correction mode and transmit it to the antenna controller 100 . When the characteristics of each channel are extracted from the receiver 210 in the correction mode, the signal transmission path between the semiconductor transceiver 300 and the transceiver 200 is not used in order to block the influence of the semiconductor transceiver 300 . . That is, it is preferable not to use the transmission path and the reception path in the general transmission/reception mode when detecting the channel characteristic value of the receiver 210 . Therefore, it is preferable to extract the characteristics of the receiver 210 by providing the test signal from the transmission signal amplifier 240 in the transceiver 200 .

The semiconductor transceiver 300 includes a large number of semiconductor transceivers 310 . In the correction mode, transmission path characteristics and reception path characteristics of the semiconductor transceiver 310 are extracted for RF correction at the time of transmission and RF correction at the time of reception.

A test signal is transmitted to the semiconductor transceiver 310 using a transmission line used in a general transmission mode to extract characteristics for RF correction during transmission, and C1 to CJ of the receiver 210 additionally configured to detect a correction signal The signal is detected using the transmission signal correction channel. The value at this time becomes a characteristic value for RF correction at the time of transmission of the semiconductor transceiver 310 . As such, when detecting the characteristic value for RF correction during transmission, it is preferable not to use the general receiving path to detect only the characteristic value on the transmission path.

Conversely, in order to extract characteristics for RF correction at the time of reception, a test signal is transmitted to the semiconductor transceiver 310 using a transmission path for a separate test signal, and a reception line in the general transmission/reception mode of the semiconductor transceiver 310 is used. Measure the characteristic value of the water path. The value at this time becomes a characteristic value for RF correction at the time of reception of the semiconductor transceiver 310 . In this case, 1 to M reception channels of the receiver are used.

Next, a process of measuring a characteristic value for RF correction of a receiver in the transceiver 200 in the active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 sequentially shows the paths (① to ④) of the control data to be controlled when the RF correction of the receiver is performed.

When the calibration mode is entered by the scheduler (using a separate device or a preset algorithm in the antenna controller), the antenna controller 100 detects the characteristic value of the receiver 210 as a first process. Turn off the transmit/receive operation of That is, the antenna controller 110 outputs control data and a timing signal for turning off the semiconductor transceiver 310 to the beam steerer 130 (a signal for controlling an off operation time), and based on the control data and the timing signal Thus, in the second process, the semiconductor transceiver 310 is operated in an OFF state.

Also, the antenna control device 100 detects a measurement value of the antenna array receiver 210 from the transceiver 200 . To this end, the antenna controller 110 transmits the transceiver control data and the timing signal for detecting the measurement value of the receiver 210 to the transceiver 200 . This process takes place at the same time as the second process.

As a third process, the transceiver 200 transmits the measurement data of the receiver 210 composed of M+CJ channels to the antenna controller 110 . And as a fourth process, the antenna controller 110 stores this value in the antenna compensator 120 .

Thereafter, the measurement data of the receiver 210 is converted into a phase and a magnitude and stored, and is then used for correcting transmission/reception of an RF signal. Also, the measurement value of the receiver 210 is compared with a preset reference value and used to generate correction data.

2 is a detailed block diagram of an RF signal flow in a correction mode of a receiver in a transceiver in an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the receiver 210 enters the correction mode by a scheduler (not shown), the semiconductor transceiver 300 is controlled to be in an off state. That is, the semiconductor transceiver 310 is controlled to be in an off state. At this time, both the transmit path and the receive path to the semiconductor transceiver maintain an OFF state.

Then, a test signal in the transceiver 200 is generated, and the test signal is amplified and output by the transmission signal amplifier 240 via the waveform generator 230 and the frequency synthesizer 230 . At this time, the test signal output from the transmission signal amplifier 240 is preferably set to an appropriate value for detecting the characteristic value of the receiver and used. In addition, since the test signal preferably has an optimal state for detecting only the characteristics of the receiver, it is preferable to use the amplifier 240 in the transceiver 200 so that possible external influences can be excluded.

The output signal of the transmission signal amplifier 240 is distributed for each channel through the receiver correction signal distributor 450 . The distributed signal is transmitted to M+CJ channels inside the receiver 210 . That is, the transmission is divided into a reception channel for correction of the reception signal (Ch 1 to Ch M) and a reception channel for correction of a transmission signal (Ch C1 to Ch CJ).

At this time, a value detected from each channel of the receiver 210 composed of M+CJ channels becomes a characteristic value for each channel. This value is stored in the antenna compensator 120 as receiver RF path measurement data. In this process, a description of the configuration of decoding, digitizing, and transmitting the detection signal of the receiver is the same as the general process and thus is omitted.

That is, the control data flow of the receiver shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the RF signal flow in the correction mode are independent of the characteristics of the semiconductor transceiver 310 because the semiconductor transceiver 310 is controlled in the off state. . That is, it becomes possible to detect only the characteristics of each channel of the receiver 210 . The detected I and Q values of each channel of the receiver are converted into phase and magnitude and stored in the antenna compensator 120 . Then, it is used for correction of transmission and reception of the semiconductor transceiver.

Next, a process of measuring a characteristic value for RF correction of a semiconductor transceiver in the active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3 sequentially shows paths (① to ⑥) of control data to be controlled when RF correction of the semiconductor transceiver is performed.

When a correction mode is entered by a scheduler (not shown), the antenna control device 100 transmits control data to the semiconductor transceiver 300 in order to detect a characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver 310 as a first process. That is, the antenna controller 110 outputs control data and a timing signal (a signal for controlling a characteristic value detection timing) to the beam steerer 130 to indicate that the characteristic value detection of the semiconductor transceiver 310 is to be performed.

In a second process at about the same time as the first process, the antenna controller 110 transmits control data and a timing signal notifying the operation progress for the correction of the semiconductor transceiver 310 to the transceiver 200 .

As a third process, the beam steerer 130 outputs control data and a timing signal for detecting a characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver 310 to the semiconductor transceiver 300 based on the received control data and timing signal.

As a fourth process, the transceiver 200 detects RF path measurement data of the semiconductor transceiver 310 and transmits it to the antenna controller 110 .

As a fifth process, the antenna controller 110 stores this value in the antenna compensator 120 . At this time, the characteristic value detection for a plurality of semiconductor transceivers is detected separately in the transmission mode and the reception mode.

That is, in order to detect the characteristic value when operating in the transmission mode, the transmission characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver 310 allocated to the channels C1 to CJ is stored in the antenna compensator 120 as the characteristic value in the transmission mode of the semiconductor transceiver. . This operation is sequentially performed until the transmission characteristic values of all semiconductor transceivers are detected.

Similarly, in order to detect the characteristic value when operating in the reception mode, the detection value of the channel corresponding to the sub-array channel of the semiconductor transceiver that is corrected among channels 1 to M is used as the characteristic value in the reception mode of the semiconductor transceiver in the antenna compensator 120. is stored in This operation is sequentially performed until reception characteristic values of all semiconductor transceivers are detected.

Thereafter, the transmission and reception characteristic values of the plurality of semiconductor transceivers stored in the antenna compensator 120 are converted into a phase and a magnitude and stored, and then used to correct transmission/reception of an RF signal. In addition, the measured value is compared with a preset reference value to generate correction data, and the correction data is stored as a lookup table.

The operations from the first process to the fifth process are repeatedly performed for all semiconductor transceivers.

In addition, the antenna compensator 120 transmits the stored lookup table data to the beam steerer 130 , and is then used in the beam steerer 130 to correct the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the number of semiconductor transceivers 310 included in the semiconductor transceiver 300 includes thousands or more. Therefore, it is very difficult to perform the characteristic value detection operation for all the semiconductor transceivers 310 all at once at a certain point in time in terms of system conditions. Therefore, it is preferable to classify the semiconductor transceivers in units of a certain number and sequentially proceed when the scheduler enters the correction mode in units of the divided units.

In addition, the antenna compensator 120 receives the leakage component value of the semiconductor transceiver and the characteristic value of the receiver measured in the correction mode, and applies a preset weight using the received value and calculates the correction data to be applied in the actual beam steerer. process can also be performed. In this case, when the system exits the correction mode and performs a process such as a general transmission/reception mode, it is preferable that the antenna compensator 120 perform a calculation process for calculating the correction data in parallel. This is to minimize resource consumption such as additional time consumption for calculating correction data required for antenna correction. The correction data calculated in this way is composed of lookup table data and transmitted to the beam steerer.

4 is a detailed block diagram of a transmission RF signal flow in a correction mode of a semiconductor transceiver in an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When a correction mode for measuring a transmission characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver 310 is entered by a scheduler (not shown), the transceiver 200 under the control of the antenna control device 100 generates a test signal. The test signal is amplified and output by the transmission signal amplifier 240 via the waveform generator 230 and the frequency synthesizer 230 . In this case, the signal output from the transmission signal amplifier 240 may use a general transmission signal.

The test signal output from the transmission signal amplifier 240 is transmitted to the divider 29 in columns 1 to N through a specific path selected from among the M path transmission signal divider 470 and the 1 to M sub-array dividers 280 . The divider 490 in columns 1 to N distributes the test signal and transmits it to the RF input terminal of the semiconductor transceiver 310 divided into N columns. The signal transmission process up to this point is the same as the transmission path in the general transmission mode. That is, since it is for detecting a characteristic value on the transmission path, a general transmission path is used up to the semiconductor transceiver 310 .

And the signal transmitted to the semiconductor transceiver 310 is output to the CAL terminal through coupler coupling, the signal is collected by the 1 to N column divider 490 . Thereafter, signal detection is not performed through the general reception path in order to exclude other influences on the transmission characteristic value.

In the present invention, the reception channels C1 to CJ for transmission signal correction in the receiver 210 for measuring the correction signal during transmission of the semiconductor transceiver 310 equally distribute the semiconductor transceiver regardless of the sub-array divider. For example, the number of semiconductor transceivers per channel may be set as the total number of semiconductor transceivers/the number of receiving channels for correcting the transmission signal.

Therefore, the CAL signal output based on the RF signal through the coupler coupling of the semiconductor transceiver 310 is collected through the 1 to N column divider 490, and is distributed to 1 to J in the correction signal divider 460, and the receiver is corrected. It is distributed to channels C1 to CJ by the signal distributor 450 and transmitted to the reception channels Ch C1 to Ch CJ for transmission signal correction in the receiver 210 .

At this time, a value detected from each channel of the Ch C1 to Ch CJ receiver 210 becomes a characteristic value for each channel during transmission of the corresponding semiconductor transceiver 310 . This value is stored in the antenna compensator 120 as a semiconductor transceiver transmission specific value. In this process, a description of the configuration of decoding and digitizing the detection signal of the receiver and transmitting it will be omitted.

That is, the control data flow of the semiconductor transceiver shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the RF signal flow in the transmission correction mode are independent of the characteristics of 1 to M reception channels of the receiver as well as the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver. . That is, the correction signal including only the characteristics on the transmission RF path from the test signal to the semiconductor transceiver is detected, and the influence of the reception channel of the receiver including other reception paths is excluded. Accordingly, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to detect only the characteristics on the transmission RF path of the semiconductor transceiver in the transmission correction mode of the semiconductor transceiver.

5 is a detailed block diagram of a received RF signal flow in a correction mode of a semiconductor transceiver in an active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When a correction mode for reception of the semiconductor transceiver 310 is entered by a scheduler (not shown), the transceiver 200 under the control of the antenna control device 100 generates a test signal. The test signal is amplified and output by the transmission signal amplifier 240 via the waveform generator 230 and the frequency synthesizer 230 .

The test signal (CAL signal) output from the transmission signal amplifier 240 is distributed to column J by the receiver correction signal distributor 450 , and the CAL signal is transmitted for each column through the correction signal distributor 460 . That is, the correction signal distributor 460 transmits a total of N columns of CAL signals to correct the received RF signal path of the semiconductor transceiver 310 .

The CAL signal transmitted for each column from the correction signal divider 460 is transmitted to the semiconductor transceiver 310 divided into N columns through the 1 to N column divider 490 . That is, the correction is transmitted to the corresponding semiconductor transceiver.

In order to measure the characteristic value of the received RF path, in the present invention, the CAL signal for testing is transmitted to the semiconductor transceiver 310 through a separately configured correction line in order to exclude the influence on the RF transmission line.

And based on the test signal transmitted to the semiconductor transceiver 310, the signal output from the RF output terminal of the semiconductor transceiver 310 is passed through the 1 to N column divider 490 through the RF receiving path, the corresponding sub-array divider (480).

In order to measure the receive RF path, one sub-array divider 480 is allocated for each 1 to M receive channels of the receiver 210 for each sub-sequence. Accordingly, the RF signal of the specific semiconductor transceiver 310 is transmitted to the corresponding channel among Ch1 to Ch M reception channels of the receiver 210 via the specific sub-array divider 480 .

In this way, a value detected from each channel of the Ch1 to Ch M receivers 210 becomes a characteristic value for each channel at the time of reception by the corresponding semiconductor transceiver 310 . This value is stored in the antenna compensator 120 as receiver RF path measurement data. In this process, a description of the configuration of decoding and digitizing the detection signal of the receiver and transmitting it will be omitted.

Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of correcting the transmission path using the RF transmission characteristic value detected on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver in the active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention. And FIG. 7 shows a table in which terms used in the operation flowchart of FIG. 6 are arranged.

The RF characteristic I and Q values of the receiver are measured under the control of the antenna controller 100 (step 600).

In step 600, as shown in the receiver calibration RF signal flow chart in FIG. 2, Ch1 to ChM reception channels and Ch C1 to Ch CJ transmission signals of the receiver 210 regardless of all semiconductor transceivers 310 and transmission/reception paths. This is a process of detecting a characteristic value corresponding to a reception channel for correction. Therefore, it is preferable that step 600 is repeatedly detected at a predetermined period by a scheduler rather than real-time measurement, and configured to use the most recent value.

The receiver RF characteristic I and Q values measured in step 600 are converted into phase and magnitude (step 602), and the receiver receiver path phase data (CAL_R_P) and receiver receiver path size data are sent to the antenna compensator 120 in step 602 . (CAL_R_M) (step 604).

Then, under the control of the antenna controller 100, leakage I and Q values are measured (step 606). In step 606, all the semiconductor transceivers 310 are controlled to be in an off state, and leakage I and Q values on the transmission path are measured through the control path shown in FIG.

Next, in order to detect RF characteristics on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver, the transmission CAL I and Q signals of all the semiconductor transceivers 310 are measured through the control path shown in FIG. 4 (step 607). At this time, all the semiconductor transceivers 310 are appropriately allocated according to the number of reception channels for correction of the transmission signal, and measurements are sequentially performed.

Remove the leakage component from the I and Q values measured in step 607. That is, the leakage I and Q values measured in step 606 are removed from the I and Q values measured in step 607 (step 608). Accordingly, the I and Q values obtained in step 608 are values obtained by removing the leakage value from the characteristic values corresponding to the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver.

The I and Q values calculated in step 608 are converted into phase and magnitude. That is, in step 610, the value obtained by removing the leakage value from the transmission path characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver is converted into a phase (CAL_TX_P) and a magnitude (CAL_TX_M) and stored (step 610).

And as a final calculation step, the value obtained in step 602 is removed from the value obtained in step 610 , and this is determined as a characteristic value on the transmission path of the final semiconductor transceiver 310 (step 612 ).

Step 612 is a configuration for detecting only the phase on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver by removing the phase on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver from which the leakage component is removed and the phase according to the receiver RF characteristics. Also, step 612 is a configuration for detecting only the size on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver by removing the size according to the RF characteristics of the receiver from the size on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver from which the leakage component is removed.

Therefore, in order to detect the phase T_CAL_TX_P, the phase converted in step 602 CAL_R_P is subtracted from the phase converted in step 610 (CAL_TX_P). In addition, to detect the size (T_CAL_TX_M), the size (CAL)R_M) converted in step 602 is subtracted from the size converted in step 610 (CAL_TX_M).

Meanwhile, the antenna compensator 120 stores a preset phase characteristic reference value REF_CAL_TX_P on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver and a preset magnitude characteristic reference value REF_CAL_TX_M on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver.

Accordingly, the antenna compensator 120 calculates a lookup table compensation value (LUX_TX_P) by subtracting the phase characteristic value (T_CAL_TX_P) currently detected in step 612 from the phase characteristic reference value (REF_CAL_TX_P) on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver preset in step 614 . In addition, the antenna compensator 120 calculates a lookup table compensation value (LUX_TX_M) by subtracting the size characteristic value (T_CAL_TX_M) currently detected in step 612 from the preset size characteristic reference value (REF_CAL_TX_M) on the transmission path of the semiconductor transceiver in step 614 .

The finally determined lookup table compensation value LUT_TX is transmitted to the beam steerer 100 and then used as a correction value in the transmission mode of the semiconductor transceiver (step 616). Thereafter, the beam steerer 130 additionally uses the lookup table compensation value received in step 616 to the previously stored lookup table value (a value preset in the design phase) to correct the semiconductor transceiver.

Meanwhile, as for the lookup table compensation value, the amount of change in the characteristic value is calculated by the antenna compensator 120 . Therefore, in the present invention, the operation of calculating the characteristic value change amount in the antenna compensator 120 separately in a state in which the real-time compensation of the beam steerer 130 is performed can be processed in parallel. That is, since a separate time for configuring the lookup table is not required, it is possible to increase the resource utilization of the system.

Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of correcting a reception path by using the RF reception characteristic value detected on the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver in the active phased array antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention. And FIG. 9 shows a table in which terms used in the operation flowchart of FIG. 8 are arranged.

The antenna controller 100 measures RF characteristic I and Q values of the receiver (step 700).

In step 700, as shown in the receiver calibration RF signal flow chart in FIG. 2 , Ch1 to ChM reception channels and Ch C1 to Ch CJ transmission signals of the receiver 210 irrespective of all semiconductor transceivers 310 and transmission and reception paths. This is a process of detecting a characteristic value corresponding to a reception channel for correction. Therefore, it is preferable to configure step 700 to repeatedly detect at a predetermined period and use the most recent value by a scheduler rather than real-time measurement.

The receiver RF characteristic I and Q values measured in step 700 are converted into phase and magnitude (step 702), and the receiver receiver path phase data (CAL_R_P) and receiver receiver path size data are sent to the antenna compensator 120 in step 702 . (CAL_R_M) (step 704).

Then, the antenna controller 100 measures leakage I and Q values (step 706). In step 706, all semiconductor transceivers 310 in the control path of FIG. 5 are controlled to be in an off state, and leakage I and Q values on the reception path are measured.

Next, in order to detect RF characteristics on the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver, the reception CAL I and Q signals of the semiconductor transceiver 310 are measured through the control path as shown in FIG. 5 (step 707). This operation is performed sequentially for all semiconductor transceivers.

Remove the leakage component from the I and Q values measured in step 707. That is, the leakage I and Q values measured in step 706 are removed from the I and Q values measured in step 707 (step 708). Accordingly, the I and Q values obtained in step 708 are values obtained by removing the leakage value from the characteristic values corresponding to the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver.

The I and Q values calculated in step 708 are converted into phase and magnitude (step 710). That is, in step 710, a value obtained by removing a leakage value from a reception path characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver is converted into a phase (CAL_RX_P) and a magnitude (CAL_RX_M) and stored (step 710).

And as a final calculation step, the value obtained in step 702 is removed from the value obtained in step 710 , and it is determined as a characteristic value on the reception path of the final semiconductor transceiver 310 (step 712 ).

Step 712 is a configuration for detecting only a phase on a reception path of a pure semiconductor transceiver by removing a phase according to a receiver RF characteristic from a phase on a reception path of a semiconductor transceiver from which a leakage component has been removed. Also, step 712 is a configuration for detecting only the size on the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver by removing the size according to the RF characteristics of the receiver from the size on the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver from which the leakage component is removed.

Therefore, in order to detect the phase T_CAL_RX_P, the phase converted in step 702 CAL_R_P is subtracted from the phase converted in step 710 (CAL_RX_P). Also, to detect the size (T_CAL_RX_M), the size converted in step 702 (CAL_R_M) is subtracted from the size converted in step 710 (CAL_RX_M).

Meanwhile, the antenna compensator 120 stores a preset phase characteristic reference value REF_CAL_RX_P on the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver and a preset magnitude characteristic reference value REF_CAL_RX_M on the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver.

Accordingly, the antenna compensator 120 calculates a lookup table compensation value (LUX_RX_P) by subtracting the currently detected phase (T_CAL_RX_P) in step 712 from the preset phase characteristic reference value (REF_CAL_RX_P) on the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver in step 714 . In addition, the antenna compensator 120 calculates a lookup table compensation value (LUX_RX_M) by subtracting the currently detected phase (T_CAL_RX_M) in step 712 from the preset size characteristic reference value (REF_CAL_RX_M) on the reception path of the semiconductor transceiver in step 714 .

The finally determined lookup table compensation value LUT_RX is transmitted to the beam steerer 100 and then used as a correction value in the transmission mode of the semiconductor transceiver (step 716). Thereafter, the beam steerer 130 additionally uses the lookup table compensation value received in step 716 to the previously stored lookup table value (a value preset in the design stage) to correct the semiconductor transceiver.

Meanwhile, as for the lookup table compensation value, the amount of change in the characteristic value is calculated by the antenna compensator 120 . Therefore, in the present invention, the operation of calculating the characteristic value change amount in the antenna compensator 120 separately in a state in which the real-time compensation of the beam steerer 130 is performed can be processed in parallel. That is, since a separate time for configuring the lookup table is not required, it is possible to increase the resource utilization of the system.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as exemplary. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

100: antenna control device
110: antenna controller
120: antenna compensator
130: beam steerer
200: transceiver
210: receiver
220: frequency synthesizer
230: waveform generator
240: transmit signal amplifier
300: semiconductor transceiver
310: semiconductor transceiver
450: receiver correction signal distributor
460: correction signal distributor
470: transmit signal splitter
480: subarray divider
490 : divider

Claims (23)

a semiconductor transceiver comprising a plurality of semiconductor transceivers;
an amplifier for outputting a test signal for detecting transmission characteristic values of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers;
a transmission path used for signal transmission and formed between the RF transmission output terminal of the amplifier and the RF input terminal of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers;
a correction signal distributor for collecting and distributing transmission characteristic values from a plurality of semiconductor transceivers to which test signals are input through transmission paths;
a receiver including C1 to CJ reception channels used when detecting transmission characteristic values of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers;
a receiver correction signal distributor for distributing the transmission characteristic values collected through the correction signal distributor to C1~CJ reception channels of the receiver; and
An error correction apparatus for an active phased array antenna system including an antenna corrector for generating a lookup table of transmission correction values of a semiconductor transceiver using transmission characteristic values stored in C1 to CJ reception channels of the receiver. The method according to claim 1,
An error correction device for an active phased array antenna system including a beam steerer for controlling correction of a semiconductor transceiver in a transceiver mode using a lookup table generated by the antenna compensator. The method according to claim 1,
A plurality of semiconductor transceivers included in the semiconductor transceiver are divided into N columns,
The correction signal divider is an error correction device of an active phase array antenna system that collects transmission characteristic values for each column for a plurality of semiconductor transceivers divided into N columns. 4. The method according to claim 3,
An antenna controller for performing control for detecting a transmission characteristic value of a semiconductor transceiver,
The antenna controller is an error correction device of an active phased array antenna system that sequentially controls collection of transmission characteristics for a plurality of semiconductor transceivers through a predetermined schedule. 5. The method according to claim 4,
The receiver including C1~CJ reception channels detects and stores the transmission characteristic values of the semiconductor transceiver in each channel, and transmits the detected transmission characteristic values to the antenna compensator under the control of the antenna controller. Error correction of the active phase array antenna system Device. 6. The method of claim 5,
An error correction device for an active phase array antenna system in which the number of semiconductor transceivers per one receiving channel of the receiver is set as a value obtained by dividing the total number of semiconductor transceivers by the number of receiving channels. The method according to claim 1,
The transmission path includes: a transmission signal divider for distributing the test signal output from the amplifier to M paths;
a sub-array divider that inputs a test signal from the transmit signal divider and transmits M RF signals;
An error correction device for an active phased array antenna system including a 1 to N column divider that inputs a test signal of a sub-array divider and transmits a test signal to a semiconductor transceiver in a corresponding column among a plurality of semiconductor transceivers. The method according to claim 1,
The amplifier uses a transmit signal amplifier that amplifies the transmit signal in transmit mode, and the test signal output from the amplifier uses a general transmit signal. The method according to claim 1,
The antenna compensator stores the characteristic values of C1~CJ reception channels and the leakage component values of the transmission paths of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers,
An error correction device for an active phased array antenna system that constitutes a lookup table by excluding the leakage component value of the transmission path and the characteristic value of the reception channel from the transmission correction value of the semiconductor transceiver. 10. The method of claim 9,
The characteristic values of C1~CJ receiving channels of the receiver are,
An error correction device for an active phase array antenna system, which consists of the values stored after the signals distributed from the receiver correction signal divider that input the test signal output from the amplifier are delivered to C1~CJ receiving channels. 10. The method of claim 9,
The leakage component value of the transmission path is an error correction device for an active phased array antenna system, which is composed of values transmitted and stored in C1 to CJ reception channels in a state where all of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers are controlled in an off state. detecting a characteristic value of the receiver by distributing the test signal to C1 to CJ reception channels of the receiver;
detecting a leakage component value of a transmission path in a state in which all of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers constituting the active phase array antenna are turned off;
transmitting a test signal to a plurality of semiconductor transceivers constituting the active phase array antenna, and distributing the detected signals to C1 to CJ reception channels of the receiver based on the test signals to detect a transmission characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver;
Error correction of an active phased array antenna system, comprising the step of removing a leakage component value of a transmission path and a characteristic value of a receiver from a transmission characteristic value of a semiconductor transceiver, and generating a lookup table for correction through comparison with a preset reference value Way. a semiconductor transceiver comprising a plurality of semiconductor transceivers;
an amplifier for outputting a test signal for detecting reception characteristic values of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers;
a correction signal divider that distributes the test signal output from the amplifier and transmits it to a plurality of semiconductor transceivers for each column;
a receiver having 1 to M reception channels used when receiving a signal using a plurality of semiconductor transceivers and used when detecting reception characteristic values of the plurality of semiconductor transceivers;
a reception path used when receiving a signal and formed between 1 to M reception channels of the receiver from the RF output terminals of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers; and
An error correction apparatus for an active phased array antenna system including an antenna corrector for generating a lookup table of reception correction values of a semiconductor transceiver using reception characteristic values stored in 1 to M reception channels of the receiver. 14. The method of claim 13,
An error correction device for an active phased array antenna system including a beam steerer for controlling correction of a semiconductor transceiver in a transceiver mode using a lookup table generated by the antenna compensator. 14. The method of claim 13,
A plurality of semiconductor transceivers included in the semiconductor transceiver are divided into N columns,
The correction signal divider is an error correction device of an active phase array antenna system that transmits test signals for each column to a plurality of semiconductor transceivers divided into N columns. 16. The method of claim 15,
An antenna controller for performing control for detecting a reception characteristic value of a semiconductor transceiver,
The antenna controller is an error correction device of an active phased array antenna system that sequentially controls the collection of reception characteristic values for a plurality of semiconductor transceivers through a predetermined schedule. 17. The method of claim 16,
A receiver including 1 to M reception channels detects and stores the reception characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver in each channel, and transmits the reception characteristic value detected under the control of the antenna controller to the antenna compensator for error correction of the active phased array antenna system. Device. 14. The method of claim 13,
The receiving path includes a 1~N column divider that collects signals output from the semiconductor transceiver;
An error correction device for an active phased array antenna system including a sub-array splitter that transmits the output signal of the splitter to the corresponding channel. 14. The method of claim 13,
The amplifier uses a transmit signal amplifier that amplifies the transmit signal in transmit mode,
The test signal output from the amplifier is transmitted to the semiconductor transceiver through a path other than the transmission path, and is an error correction device of the active phased array antenna system. 14. The method of claim 13,
The antenna compensator stores the characteristic values of 1 to M reception channels and the leakage component values of the reception paths of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers,
An error correction device of an active phased array antenna system that constitutes a lookup table by excluding the leakage component value of the receiving path and the characteristic value of the receiving channel from the reception correction value of the semiconductor transceiver. 21. The method of claim 20,
The characteristic values of 1 to M receiving channels of the receiver are,
An error correction device for an active phase array antenna system that divides the test signal output from the amplifier into 1 to M channel signals, and the distributed signal is transmitted to 1 to M receiving channels and consists of stored values. 11. The method of claim 10,
The leakage component value of the receiving path is an error correction device for an active phased array antenna system composed of values transmitted and stored in 1 to M receiving channels in a state where a plurality of semiconductor transceivers are all controlled in an off state. detecting a characteristic value of the receiver by distributing the test signal to 1 to M receiving channels of the receiver;
detecting a leakage component value of a receiver path in a state in which all of a plurality of semiconductor transceivers constituting the active phase array antenna are turned off;
transmitting a test signal to a plurality of semiconductor transceivers constituting the active phase array antenna, and distributing the detected signals to 1 to M receiving channels of the receiver based on the test signals to detect a reception characteristic value of the semiconductor transceiver;
Error correction of an active phased array antenna system, comprising the steps of removing a leakage component value of a receiver path and a receiver characteristic value from a reception characteristic value of a semiconductor transceiver, and generating a lookup table for correction through comparison with a preset reference value Way.

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