Low-Complexity Online Calibration for Large-Scale Multi-Beam Antennas

Abstract

High-throughput satellite communication based on large-scale multi-beam antennas is a promising technology for sixth-generation (6G) mobile networks. Conventional online calibration methods for large-scale antennas after satellite launch are restricted by communication signals. This paper proposes an online calibration method of amplitude and phase errors without disturbing the normal communication traffic. Two important aspects of calibration are discussed, i.e., closed-form expressions of calibration accuracy and hardware complexity. Simulation results show that theoretical approximation results are close to simulation results when the number of antennas is less than half of the code length. The relative amplitude and phase performance deteriorate by 6.12 dB and 40.96 deg, respectively, when the power is lower than the reference 20 dB. Finally, a calibration experimental system with eight beams is built for verification.

A Mutual Coupling-Based Full Self-Online Calibration Method for Antenna Arrays in Uplink

“…Large-scale phased array antennas are considered to play fundamental role in the fifth-generation (5G) [1], [2] and future sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication systems [3], [4]. The new generation 5G and 6G wireless systems are expected to be used in many civil, commercial, and military areas such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) [5], [6], autonomous driving [7], satellite systems [3], internet of things (IoT) [4], anti-jamming, and antispoofing [8]. With the latest developments in phased array antenna technology, beamforming is intended to be one of the key techniques for the next generation wireless systems [1], [2], [9].…”

“…The method in [22] takes into account mutualcouplings, however, the technique depends on the park and probe measurements which is considered as REV. On the other hand, the peripheral-fixed probe methods can be used for on-line calibration [3]. However, they require auxiliary reference antennas for measurement, additional hardware [1], [30] and complex calibration algorithms [26] that increase the system size and complexity [7].…”

“…However, they require auxiliary reference antennas for measurement, additional hardware [1], [30] and complex calibration algorithms [26] that increase the system size and complexity [7]. The probing methods are time-consuming and costly, as well as, often require facilities and additional measurement equipment [14], [31], thus, studies in [1], [3], [18], [26], [30], [32] are not suitable for the large-scale antenna array calibration. On the contrary, mutual coupling and built-in network calibration methods can be fast and cost-effective, in fact, they are suitable for on-line calibration.…”