System and method for generating a reference signal for phase calibration of a system

PRIORITY CLAIM

0001This application claims priority from United States Provisional Application No. <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US61168500B"><text>61/168,500</text></patcit>, entitled "METHOD FOR GENERATING A REFERENCE SIGNAL FOR PHASE CALIBRATION OF A SYSTEM," filed April 10, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002Current Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) installations are expensive. Dual TCAS installations are even more so because they require an extensive amount of cable and/or coaxial cable switches. <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US4855748A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 4,855,748</text></patcit> describes a system and method for determining TCAS bearing estimation using a four-element planar array antenna. TCAS installations typically use two such four-element antennas, one on the top surface of an aircraft, and the other on the bottom surface of the aircraft. This typically requires a coaxial cable connection for each antenna element, resulting in at least eight total cables. This results in considerable weight and expense.

0003Commonly owned <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US7583223B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 7,583,223</text></patcit>, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, discloses a system that includes a first antenna and a second antenna located on a top surface of an aircraft, spaced apart along a first axis, as well as a third antenna and a fourth antenna located on a bottom surface of the aircraft, spaced apart along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The system also includes a transmitting, receiving, and processing system coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth antennas, wherein the transmitting, receiving, and processing system is configured to transmit TCAS interrogations, receive TCAS replies, and process the TCAS replies to determine the relative bearing of a second aircraft from the first aircraft. Such a system provides a TCAS antenna system, employing two pairs of two-element arrays, that uses less cabling than previous attempts, specifically, four cables (two to top and two to bottom) instead of eight cables (four to top and four to bottom).

0004Commonly owned <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US4855748A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 4,855,748</text></patcit> discloses an approach by which cables associated with four-element antenna arrays may be phase calibrated. However, such approach cannot be employed for phase calibration of the above-described two-element arrays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0005In an embodiment, a two-element array antenna system includes a first antenna element and a second antenna element. The first and second antenna elements respectively include first and second frequency multipliers. A transmitting, receiving, and processing (TRP) system is coupled to the first and second antenna elements via, respectively, a single first transmission element and a single second transmission element. The TRP system is configured to transmit to the first antenna element a first input signal at a sub-multiple of a first frequency, receive from the first frequency multiplier a first calibration signal based on the first input signal, transmit to the second antenna element a second input signal at a sub-multiple of the first frequency, receive from the second frequency multiplier a second calibration signal based on the second input signal, and determine, based on the calibration signals, a relative phase difference between the first and second transmission elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0006Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

0007<figref idref="f0001">FIGURE 1</figref> is a high-level block diagram showing an antenna configuration for a TCAS system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

0008<figref idref="f0002">FIGURE 2</figref> is a high-level block diagram showing a two-element array antenna configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

0009<figref idref="f0003">FIGURE 3</figref> is a high-level block diagram showing a two-element array antenna configuration in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention; and

0010<figref idref="f0004">FIGURE 4</figref> is a high-level block diagram showing a two-element array antenna configuration in accordance with a second alternate embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

0011An embodiment of the invention provides an approach that keeps the antenna components simple while nonetheless generating a reference source at the antenna for phase calibrating the cables. The antenna includes, for example, a frequency multiplier or mixer. The TCAS or system that requires phase calibration of the cables transmits a signal at a sub-multiple of the desired calibration frequency. The frequency multiplier at the antenna then generates the desired frequency. The multiplier is designed so that it would not function for regular operations of the TCAS or system, but would operate when the sub-multiple frequency signal was transmitted by the TCAS. Alternatively, the TCAS or system transmits two signals with frequencies such that the sum or difference of these signals produces the desired calibration frequency.

0012<figref idref="f0001">FIGURE 1</figref> is a high-level block diagram showing a TCAS system 40 within which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. The system 40 includes a first top antenna 42, a second top antenna 44, a first bottom antenna 46, and a second bottom antenna 48. Each of the antennas 42, 44, 46, and 48 are connected to a transmitting, receiving, and processing (TRP) system 49 by a transmission element, such as a cable 52, resulting in four total cables 52 for the system 40. The system 49 includes a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) 50, designated as TPL4 that includes transmitting, receiving, and processing components.

0013When installed on an aircraft, the first top antenna 42 and the second top antenna 44 are positioned on a top surface of the aircraft, spaced apart along a first axis while the first bottom antenna 46 and the second bottom antenna 48 are positioned on a bottom surface of the aircraft, spaced apart along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. In an example embodiment, the antennas 42, 44, 46, 48 are L-band blade antennas. In one example, an L-band blade antenna is any single element L-band antenna suitable for transponder or DME applications, and may be a simple, standard matched-quarter-wave stub antenna.

0014Referring now to <figref idref="f0002">FIGURE 2</figref>, illustrated is a phase calibration approach for a two-element array according to an embodiment of the invention. It should be understood that the following discussion of phase-calibration techniques employed by varying embodiments of the invention applies to antenna arrays including no more or fewer than two antenna elements. In the illustrated embodiment, antenna elements 42, 44 are respectively coupled to the TRP system 49 by single coaxial cables 52a, 52b. As illustrated, the TRP system 49 may include one or more LRUs 50a, 50b coupled to cables 52a, 52b. The antenna elements 42, 44 respectively include radiating structures 205, 210, attenuation elements, such as filters 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, signal-coupling elements 245, 250, 255, 260, and frequency multipliers 265, 270.

0015In operation, when phase calibration of cables 52a, 52b is desired, the TRP system 49 is configured to transmit to antenna element 42 a first input signal, and to element 44 a second input signal, each at a sub-multiple of a desired first calibration frequency (e.g., 1030 MHz). These input signals may be respectively generated by LRUs 50a, 50b or by a single one of LRUs 50a, 50b.

0016Input-side filters 220, 235, which may include low-pass filters, are configured to pass to the frequency multipliers 265, 270, respectively, only signals at frequencies in a finite range including the frequencies (e.g., 515 MHz) of the first and second input signals. In this manner, the illustrated embodiment ensures that the multipliers 265, 270 are idle or otherwise non-functional for regular operations of the antenna system, and will be operational only during calibration processes.

0017The frequency multipliers 265, 270 may each include a self-biased non-linear device to generate harmonics of its input signal (e.g., the first and second input signals). The input signal level of the multipliers 265, 270 is chosen in such a way that the desired sub-harmonic input signal drives such non-linear device strong enough to generate a desired calibration signal, whereas other signals arriving at the multipliers 265, 270 are attenuated by the filters 220, 235, sufficiently such that they do not generate strong harmonics or strong sub harmonics.

0018Output-side filters 225, 240, which may include band-pass filters, are configured to pass to the TRP system 49 only signals at frequencies in a finite range including the frequency of the desired calibration signal (e.g., 1030 MHz).

0019The desired calibration signals output by the filters 225, 240 are coupled back to the antenna cables 52a, 52b by coupling devices 245, 255. These coupled signals travel by the antenna cables 52a, 52b to the TRP system 49. The TRP system 49 measures the phase information associated with these signals.

0020The above-described measurement process may be repeated using sub-multiples of a second frequency (<i>e.g.</i>, 1090 MHz) of a different desired calibration signal that is not harmonically related to the first frequency (<i>e.g.</i>, 1030 MHz). The TRP system 49 may use the phase information associated with the received calibration signals (<i>e.g.</i>, at 1030 MHz and 1090 MHz) to calculate the relative phase difference between antenna cables 52a, 52b.

0021Referring now to <figref idref="f0003">FIGURE 3</figref>, illustrated is a phase calibration approach for a two-element array according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, antenna elements 42, 44 are respectively coupled to the TRP system 49 by single coaxial cables 52a, 52b. As illustrated, the TRP system 49 may include one or more LRUs 50a, 50b coupled to cables 52a, 52b. The antenna elements 42, 44 respectively include radiating structures 205, 210, attenuation elements, such as filters 220, 235, and signal-coupling elements 245, 250, 255, 260. One of the elements 42, 44 may further include a mixer element 310, an attenuation element, such as filter 225, and either a splitter element 315 or a probe 305. Alternatively, the mixer element 310, filter 225, splitter element 315 and/or probe 305 may be external, but coupled, to elements 42, 44.

0022The mixer element 310 may be passive or active in operation. The mixer may be constructed from 1, 2, or 4 diodes or transistors which are interconnected with printed copper structures and/or wire wound balun transformers. The diodes/transistors may not require any type of DC bias voltage or current in order to operate. Rather, one of the two RF signals applied to the mixer is at a level sufficient to "drive" the diodes/transistors into conduction on at least one half cycle of the signal's sinewave. This provides the switching function that results in frequency mixing (addition and substraction). Since the mixer does not require any DC power, it is typically considered a passive circuit even though it contains semiconductor devices.

0023In operation, when phase calibration of cables 52a, 52b is desired, the TRP system 49 is configured to transmit to antenna element 42 a first input signal at a first frequency, and to element 44 a second input signal at a second frequency, which may or may not be different from the first frequency. These input signals may be respectively generated by LRUs 50a, 50b or by a single one of LRUs 50a, 50b.

0024Input-side filters 220, 235, which may include low-pass filters, are configured to pass to the mixer element 310 only signals at frequencies in a finite range including the first and second frequencies of the first and second input signals. In this manner, the illustrated embodiment ensures that the mixer element 310 is idle or otherwise non-functional for regular operations of the antenna system, and will be operational only during calibration processes. While the illustrated embodiment employs filtering devices, it should be recognized that selective attenuation may be alternatively accomplished by frequency-selective loading by short or open circuits, or other appropriate techniques.

0025The frequencies of the first and second input signals generated by the TRP system 49 are such that the sum or difference, as generated by the mixer, of these signals provides a first calibration signal at a desired calibration frequency (<i>e.g.</i>, 1030 or 1090 MHz).

0026Output-side filter 225, which may include one or more band-pass filters, is configured to pass to the TRP system 49 only signals at frequencies in a finite range including the frequency of the desired calibration signal (<i>e.g.</i>, 1030 or 1090 MHz).

0027The desired calibration signal output by the filter 225 may be coupled back to the antenna cables 52a, 52b in one of at least two ways. In an embodiment, splitter element 315 is configured to provide the first calibration signal to the cables 52a, 52b, by way of coupling devices 245, 255, for transmission to the TRP system 49. Alternatively, probe 305 is configured to wirelessly provide the first calibration signal to the cables 52a, 52b. In either case, this coupled first calibration signal travels by the antenna cables 52a, 52b to the TRP system 49. The TRP system 49 may use the phase information associated with the received calibration signal (<i>e.g.</i>, at 1030 MHz and 1090 MHz) to calculate the relative phase difference between antenna cables 52a, 52b.

0028Referring now to <figref idref="f0004">FIGURE 4</figref>, illustrated is a phase calibration approach for a two-element array according to a second alternative embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, antenna elements 42, 44 are respectively coupled to the TRP system 49 by single coaxial cables 52a, 52b. As illustrated, the TRP system 49 may include one or more LRUs 50a, 50b coupled to cables 52a, 52b. The antenna elements 42, 44 may respectively include radiating structures 205, 210, attenuation elements, such as filters 220, 235, bias tees 450, 460 and signal-coupling elements 245, 255. Element 42 may further include an oscillator element 410, an attenuation element, such as filter 225, and either a splitter element 415 or a probe 405.

0029In operation, when phase calibration of cables 52a, 52b is desired, the TRP system 49 is configured to transmit to antenna element 42, via cable 52a, a first activation signal at a first voltage or current. Transmission of the activation signal may be accomplished via a center conductor (not shown) of cable 52a.

0030Input-side filter 220, which may include a low-pass filter, may be configured to pass to the oscillator element 410 only signals at low frequencies in a finite range including DC. In this manner, the illustrated embodiment ensures that the oscillator element 410 is idle or otherwise non-functional for regular operations of the antenna system, and will be operational only during calibration processes. While the illustrated embodiment employs filtering devices, it should be recognized that selective attenuation may be alternatively accomplished by frequency-selective loading by short or open circuits, or other appropriate techniques.

0031In response to the first activation signal, the oscillator element 410 provides a first calibration signal at a desired first calibration frequency (<i>e.g</i>., 1030 MHz).

0032Output-side filter 225, which may include one or more band-pass filters, is configured to pass to the TRP system 49 only signals at frequencies in a finite range including the frequency of the desired calibration signal (<i>e.g.</i>, 1030 MHz).

0033The first desired calibration signal output by the filter 225 may be coupled back to the antenna cables 52a, 52b in one of at least two ways. In an embodiment, splitter element 415 is configured to provide the first calibration signal to the cables 52a, 52b, by way of coupling devices 245, 255, for transmission to the TRP system 49. Alternatively, probe 405 is configured to wirelessly provide the first calibration signal to the cables 52a, 52b. In either case, this coupled first calibration signal travels by the antenna cables 52a, 52b to the TRP system 49. The TRP system 49 may use the phase information associated with the received first calibration signal (<i>e.g.</i>, 1030 MHz) to calculate the relative phase difference between antenna cables 52a, 52b.

0034Subsequently, and in a fashion similar to that described above, the TRP system 49 may transmit to antenna element 42, via cable 52a, a second activation signal at a second voltage or current.

0035Input-side filter 220, which may include a low-pass filter, is configured to attenuate to the oscillator element 410 only signals at frequencies in a finite range including the second frequency of the second activation signal. In response to the second activation signal, the oscillator element 410 provides a second calibration signal at a desired calibration frequency (<i>e.g.</i>, 1090 MHz).

0036Output-side filter 225, which may include one or more band-pass filters, is configured to pass to the TRP system 49 only signals at frequencies in a finite range including the frequency of the second desired calibration signal (<i>e.g.</i>, 1090 MHz).

0037The second desired calibration signal output by the filter 225 may be coupled back to the antenna cables 52a, 52b in a manner described above. The TRP system 49 may use the phase information associated with the received first and second calibration signals (<i>e.g.</i>, at 1030 MHz and 1090 MHz) to calculate the relative phase difference between antenna cables 52a, 52b.

0038In an embodiment, and as illustrated by dashed elements in <figref idref="f0004">FIGURE 4</figref>, element 44 may include a second oscillator element 420. In such an embodiment, subsequent to the TRP system 49 transmitting to antenna element 42, via cable 52a, the first activation signal at a first voltage or current, the TRP system 49 may transmit to antenna element 44, via cable 52b, a second activation signal at a second voltage or current. In a manner similar to that described above, the second oscillator element 420, in response to the second activation signal, provides, via filter 225 and one of splitter 415 or probe 405, a second calibration signal at a desired calibration frequency (<i>e.g.</i>, 1090 MHz), such that the TRP system 49 may similarly use the phase information associated with the received first and second calibration signals (<i>e.g.</i>, at 1030 MHz and 1090 MHz) to calculate the relative phase difference between antenna cables 52a, 52b.

0039While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, rather than using L-band blade antennas, L-band antennas integrated into skin surfaces of an aircraft could be used in some embodiments. Additionally, a top two-element antenna and a bottom two-element antenna are used in some embodiments, with the first antenna being replaced by the first element of the top two-element antenna, the second antenna being replaced by the second element of the top two-element antenna, the third antenna being replaced by the first element of the bottom two-element antenna, and the fourth antenna being replaced by the second element of the bottom two-element antenna. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: