Improving the Structure of a Signal Used for Real-Time Calibrating of the Receiving Channels of Digital Transceiver Modules in Digital Phased Antenna Arrays

Abstract

Introduction. Modern digital phased array antenna (DPAA) systems incorporate a large number of identical transceiver modules (TMs). These modules require real-time calibration with a high level of accuracy. In a previous work, we proposed a real-time calibration method for all receiver channels, which is based on the use of a calibration signal (CalSig) of the same frequency spectrum as the reflected signal and modulated in phase and amplitude by BPSK and OOK codes, respectively. This method was found to have a number of advantages over conventional approaches. However, the use of the same CalSig sample for all receiving channels increases the noise power gain at the output of a digital beam-forming unit (DBU). To overcome this limitation, we set out to improve the structure of CalSigs by making them pseudo-orthogonal. As a result, the noise power gain at the DBU output can be significantly reduced compared to that obtained in our previous work.Aim. To propose an improved design of a controlled amplitude modulation code OOK generator, which allows creation of pseudo-orthogonal CalSigs. As a result, the noise power gain at the output will increase insignificantly, thus having no negative effect on the quality of digital beam forming, signal processing and calibration.Materials and methods. Theory of system engineering and technology; theory of digital signal processing; system analysis; mathematical modeling.Results. An improved CalSig for calibrating the receiving channels of TMs was obtained. A structural diagram allowing the formation of pseudo-orthogonal CalSigs was synthesized.Conclusions. We proposed a new approach to improving the structure of signals used for real-time calibrating the DPAA receiving channels. A structural diagram of an amplitude-modulated OOK code generator for pseudo-orthogonal CalSigs was developed.

Keywords

• digital phased array antenna
• real-time internal calibration
• calibration signal
• transceiver module
• digital beamforming
• integrated calibration subsystem