System and method for controlling a direct radiation array antenna

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling a direct-radiation array antenna. A system includes a direct-radiation array antenna and one or more processors. The antenna includes an array of elements configured to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy to form a beam having a plurality of channels. The one or more processors are configured to generate an excitation plan for powering the elements to form the beam. The excitation plan assigns a plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients to each element in a group of elements. Each beamforming coefficient specifies the power to be allocated to the assigned element to radiate RF energy at an associated channel. The excitation plan provides a substantially uniform power distribution among the elements in the group, and at least some of the elements in the group have a different power distribution among the plurality of channels of the beam than other elements in the group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling a direct radiation array antenna. Background Art

[0002] Phased array antennas, such as direct radiation array antennas, are used for line-of-sight communication and other applications. A phased array antenna is configured to send a beam that can be electronically controlled or steered by changing the time delay or phase of an electrical signal to individual elements forming the array antenna, without physically moving any mechanical parts. In applications where power capacity may be limited and / or the antenna is used to send a beam over a long distance, such as satellite and other spacecraft applications, it is desirable to operate the antenna efficiently. A phased array antenna includes an array of elements that are individually powered to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy at one or more frequencies, and the combination of the RF energy radiated by the elements forms a beam that is sent to a given target, such as a geographical area or another antenna.

[0003] The elements of a phased array antenna typically do not work consistently, and as a result, only a subset of the elements contribute to the formation of the beam. The phased array antenna does not operate efficiently because the energy of the resulting beam output from the antenna is lower than the beam if a larger proportion of the elements were used to facilitate beam formation. By implementing a constraint that causes all elements in the antenna to work in the same manner (e.g., according to the same beamforming coefficients) such that all elements contribute to beam formation, efficiency can be improved. However, causing the elements to work in the same manner typically degrades the beam quality by reducing the antenna gain. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Systems and methods for more efficient control of a direct radiation array antenna in the formation of a beam having satisfactory quality and other characteristics are described herein. Example arrangements herein are for more efficiently controlling a direct radiation array antenna to form a beam including multiple channels pointing to an intended target.

[0005] This document describes a system that includes a direct-radiation array antenna and one or more processors. The direct-radiation array antenna includes a plurality of elements arranged in an array. The elements are configured to radiate radio-frequency (RF) energy to form a beam having a plurality of channels. The one or more processors are configured to generate an excitation plan for powering the elements to form the beam. The excitation plan assigns a plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients to each element in a group of elements. Each beamforming coefficient specifies the power to be allocated to the assigned element to radiate RF energy at the associated channel of the beam. The excitation plan assigns the beamforming coefficients to provide a substantially uniform power distribution among the elements in the group. At least some of the elements in the group have a different power allocation among the plurality of channels of the beam than other elements in the group.

[0006] As further described herein, the excitation plan assigns the beamforming coefficients to provide a substantially uniform power distribution such that the power allocated for the first element in the group to radiate within a specified threshold range of the sum of the power allocated for the second element in the group to radiate among the plurality of channels.

[0007] As further described herein, the excitation plan provides a different power allocation among the channels such that the first element in the group is allocated more power to radiate at the first channel of the beam than the power allocated to the second element in the group to radiate at the first channel of the beam.

[0008] As further described herein, the group is a first group, and the excitation plan divides the elements in the array into a first group and a second group of a plurality of elements. The excitation plan assigns the beamforming coefficients to the elements in the second group to provide a substantially uniform power distribution among the elements in the second group at a power level different from the power level distributed to the elements in the first group.

[0009] As further described herein, the excitation plan assigns only one corresponding beamforming coefficient to each element in a plurality of elements defining a single-channel group. Each element in the single-channel group is configured to radiate RF energy at only one of the channels of the beam according to the assigned beamforming coefficient.

[0010] Some examples provide a method of controlling a direct-radiation array antenna to form a beam. The method includes the steps of: receiving antenna information related to the direct-radiation array antenna. The antenna information identifies the number and arrangement of elements in the direct-radiation array antenna. The elements are configured to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy to form a beam having a plurality of channels. The method further includes the steps of: based on the antenna information, generating, via one or more processors, an excitation plan for powering the elements to form the beam. The excitation plan assigns a plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients to each element in a group of elements. Each beamforming coefficient specifies the power assigned to the assigned element to radiate RF energy at the associated channel of the beam. The excitation plan is generated to provide a substantially uniform power distribution among the elements in the group. At least some of the elements in the group have a different power distribution among the plurality of channels of the beam than other elements in the group.

[0011] Some examples provide a direct-radiation array antenna that includes a plurality of elements disposed in an array and one or more processors. The elements are configured to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy to form a beam having a plurality of channels. The one or more processors are configured to generate an excitation plan for powering the elements to form the beam. The excitation plan assigns one or more beamforming coefficients to each element in the elements, the one or more beamforming coefficients specifying the power assigned to the assigned element to radiate RF energy at the associated channel. The excitation plan assigns a plurality of beamforming coefficients to a first element in the array and a plurality of beamforming coefficients to a second element in the array so that each of the first element and the second element can radiate RF energy at least at a first channel and a second channel of the beam. The first element is assigned a greater power to radiate RF energy at the first channel than the power assigned to the second element to radiate RF energy at the first channel. The total power distributed to the first element to radiate RF energy is within a specified threshold range of the total power distributed to the second element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 Illustrates a satellite incorporating at least one direct-radiation array (DRA) antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1A Illustrates an element array of a DRA antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a DRA antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2A is illustrative of Figure 2 a block diagram of the excitation plan and elements of the DRA antenna shown.

[0016] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the power distributed to the elements of an array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure based on an excitation plan.

[0017] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the power distributed to the elements of an array according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure based on an excitation plan.

[0018] Figure 5 Illustrates according to Figure 4 the element array of a DRA antenna according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the power distributed to the elements of an array according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure based on an excitation plan.

[0020] Figure 7 Illustrates according to Figure 6 the element array of a DRA antenna according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a DRA antenna to form a multi-channel beam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0022] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should not be construed as necessarily excluding a plurality of elements or steps. Moreover, a reference to "one embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Additionally, unless expressly stated to the contrary, an embodiment that includes an element or elements having a particular property may include additional elements that do not have that property.

[0023] Certain examples provide systems and methods for efficiently controlling a direct-radiating array antenna to form a beam having multiple channels, which beam is also referred to herein as a multi-channel beam. A direct-radiating array (DRA) antenna includes an array of elements that act as individual controllers to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy at a specified channel (e.g., frequency). The combined RF energy generated by the elements forms a multi-channel beam. Some or all of the elements are controlled to radiate RF energy simultaneously at multiple channels. In one or more embodiments, power is evenly distributed to the elements in such a way that the elements (or a first group of elements in the array) receive the same amount of total power to radiate RF energy. However, the elements may be controlled to distribute the power differently among the multiple channels.

[0024] In a non - limiting example, an element can be configured to radiate simultaneously at five different channels. A first element receives the same amount of power (e.g., within a specified threshold range) as a second element that will be used to radiate RF energy at the five channels. The first element can be controlled to allocate 60% of the received power to radiate at a first channel among the five channels, and the remaining 40% of the power can be divided to radiate at the second, third, fourth, and fifth channels. The second element can be controlled to allocate 60% of the received power to radiate at the second channel, and the remaining 40% can be divided to radiate at the first, third, fourth, and fifth channels. Thus, although the first element and the second element are distributed with the same amount of power, the power is allocated differently. The contribution of the first element to the first channel forming the multi - channel beam is greater than that of the second element because the first element radiates a greater amount of RF energy at the first channel than the second element. Conversely, the contribution of the second element to the second channel forming the multi - channel beam is greater than that of the first element. Although the example above describes two elements that are controlled to be differently allocated power among multiple channels, dozens or hundreds of elements in the array may have different power allocations among the channels, while all of these elements receive an equal power distribution.

[0025] The corresponding power allocation for the elements of the array can be specified within an excitation plan generated by a control unit including one or more processors. The excitation plan assigns one or more beamforming coefficients to each of the elements. The beamforming coefficients provide specified settings for radiating RF energy, such as but not limited to amplitude (e.g., power) and phase. For example, a given beamforming coefficient assigned to the first element can indicate that the first element radiates RF energy at an associated frequency with a specified power setting (or level) and phase setting. The control unit can generate the excitation plan by executing a beam - planning algorithm using various information as input, the various information including, for example, characteristics related to the DRA antennas used to form the multi - channel beam, desired properties of the beam, etc. Optionally, the control unit can be part of the DRA antenna or can be part of a computing device that is separate and discrete from the DRA antenna. The DRA antenna can form (e.g., transmit) a multi - channel beam according to the excitation plan.

[0026] The systems and methods described herein enable the efficient generation of multi - channel beams by DRA antennas or other phased - array antennas. For example, distributing power evenly among the elements (of the entire array or at least a group thereof) provides an even power load for the efficient operation of the antenna. Controlling at least some of the elements that receive a substantially uniform power distribution to allocate that power differently among multiple channels can desirably provide a satisfactory antenna gain level. As a result, the systems and methods described herein enable the efficient generation of quality multi - channel beams via an antenna array.

[0027] Figure 1 Illustrated is a satellite 100 incorporating at least one direct-radiating array (DRA) antenna 102 according to an embodiment. The satellite 100 uses the DRA antenna 102 to form a beam 104 that is directed at a coverage area 106 on the Earth 108. The coverage area can be a specified geographical region (such as a country). The beam 104 is a multi-channel beam that includes a plurality of different channels within the beam 104. The DRA antenna 102 is controlled according to the systems and methods described herein such that the beam 104 is generated with higher power efficiency and / or has higher quality (e.g., greater antenna gain) compared to at least some beams formed by array antennas controlled in different ways. The satellite 100 may optionally include more than one DRA antenna 102. The satellite-based DRA antenna 102 represents a potential application, and the systems and methods described herein can be used to control the operation of other DRA antennas located on other platforms (such as but not limited to fixed devices, airplanes, drones, trucks, or other land-based vehicles, etc.) that are configured to carry electronically scanned antennas. Although embodiments are described herein with respect to DRA antennas, the systems and methods described herein can also be used to control phased array antennas of types other than DRA antennas.

[0028] Figure 1A Illustrated is an array 120 of elements 122 of a DRA antenna 124 according to an embodiment. The elements 122 in the array 120 are radiating elements that are configured to radiate (RF) energy to form a multi-channel beam that is transmitted by the DRA antenna 124 to a specified target (such as a coverage area or a specific receiving device). The array 120 in the illustrated embodiment is a two-dimensional tile array. The elements 122 are arranged side by side within the array 120 to define orthogonal rows and columns. The DRA antenna 124 can have any number of elements 122 in the array 120, such as dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of elements 122. As described herein, the elements 122 are individually controlled to radiate different portions of the multi-channel beam. For example, some elements 122 are controlled to radiate energy at a different channel than other elements 122. Some elements 122 are controlled to radiate energy at the same channel as other elements 122, but with a different amount of energy between the channels.

[0029] Figure 2FIG. 0 is a block diagram of a system 200 (e.g., a communication system) including a DRA antenna 124 and a control unit 208 according to an embodiment. The DRA antenna 124 in the illustrated embodiment includes a signal source 202, a power source 204, a plurality of elements 122 configured to radiate RF energy, and a plurality of beamforming modules 206. The control unit 208 is connected to the DRA antenna 124 during operation. For example, the control unit 208 may be electrically connected to control the operation of the DRA antenna 124. Optionally, the control unit 208 may be an integrated component of the DRA antenna 124 in such a way that the control unit 208 is located below the DRA antenna 124. For example, the control unit 208 may be fixed to the chassis of the DRA antenna 124 and / or housed within the housing of the DRA antenna 124. Alternatively, the control unit 208 is a component of a computing device that is separate and distinct from the DRA antenna 124 and communicatively connected to the DRA antenna 124 via a wired or wireless communication path.

[0030] For ease of illustration, the block diagram shows three elements 122A, 122B, 122C, but the DRA antenna 124 includes more than three elements 122, such as dozens, hundreds, or thousands of elements 122. For example, Figure 2 the three elements 122A, 122B, 122C in Figure 1A may represent three of the dozens of elements 122 in the array 120 shown. The number of beamforming modules 206 may correspond to the number of elements 122, and each beamforming module 206 is associated with a different corresponding element 122. Beamforming modules 206A, 206B, 206C are respectively associated with corresponding elements 122A, 122B, 122C. Beamforming modules 206A, 206B, 206C control the corresponding elements 122A, 122B, 122C, such as by controlling the amplitude, phase, frequency, and / or other electrical characteristics of the RF energy radiated by each of the elements 122A, 122B, 122C.

[0031] The DRA antenna 124 may be operated to form and transmit a beam such as Figure 1 the beam 104 shown. The signal source 202 provides the information (e.g., data, sensor signals, etc.) to be transmitted by the beam. The power source 204 powers the DRA antenna 124, such as by distributing the current (e.g., power) for the elements 122A, 122B, 122C to radiate. The radiating elements 122A, 122B, 122C emit corresponding output signals 210A, 201B, 210C having controlled electrical characteristics. The cumulative output signals 210A, 210B, 210C form a beam. In one or more embodiments, the beam is a multi-channel beam including a plurality of channels.

[0032] The signal source 202 provides a signal to the beamforming module 206, which will be modified and amplified by the beamforming module 206 before being transmitted by the element 122 as the output signal 210. The signal source 202 includes a beam driver 220 that pre-amplifies the input signal. The input signal can be generated on the DRA antenna 124 or received from a remote device such as a satellite-based or ground-based transmitting antenna. The signal source 202 may include a signal splitter 222 that divides the pre-amplified input signal into a plurality of signals that are distributed to the beamforming module 206. The signal splitter 222 divides the pre-amplified input signal into a plurality of signals corresponding to the number of elements 122 in the array such that each element 122A, 122B, 122C receives one of the signals.

[0033] Each beamforming module 206A, 206B, 206C includes one or more signal modifiers 212 and amplifiers 214. The signal modifiers 212 are controlled to modify the electrical characteristics of the signal received by the beamforming module 206 from the signal source 202. For example, the modifier 212 may include one or more phase shifters, attenuators, signal combiners, etc. The attenuator applies a weighting to the received signal to attenuate the signal. The phase shifter applies a phase shift to the received signal. The signal may be attenuated before or after being phase-shifted. The amplifier 214 powers the element 122. More specifically, the amplifier 214 of each beamforming module 206A, 206B, 206C receives the attenuated and / or phase-shifted signal and amplifies the signal to produce the amplified signal that is provided to the associated element 122A, 122B, 122C. The amplifier 214 is connected to the corresponding element 122A, 122B, 122C via a conductive path (e.g., a wire) during operation. The amplifier 214 of the beamforming module 206A, 206B, 206C is powered by the power supply 204. Optionally, all the amplifiers 214 of the beamforming module 206A, 206B, 206C may be of a common type such that the amplifiers 214 have the same type of circuit, rated power, efficiency, etc.

[0034] The power supply 204 includes or represents one or more energy storage devices (such as battery cells, capacitors, etc.) and associated control circuitry for distributing current (e.g., energy or power) to the beamforming module 206. The control circuitry includes one or more switches, power converters, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the power supply 204 includes a current generator (such as a generator, an engine, etc.).

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the DRA antenna 124 is configured to form a multi-channel beam having multiple channels. At least some of the elements 122 are controlled to simultaneously radiate RF energy at multiple channels such that the output signal 210 has multiple discrete frequencies. To provide multiple channels, the beamforming module 206 may optionally include multiple signal modifiers 212 corresponding to the number of channels. For example, each beamforming module 206 includes multiple phase shifters that phase-shift the received signal in different ways and / or multiple attenuators that attenuate the received signal in different ways to provide different channels.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the elements 122 can be individually controlled relative to other elements 122 in the array 120 to have different energy (e.g., power) distributions between different channels. For example, some of the elements 122 may receive a greater amount of power (e.g., power setting or power level) than other elements 122 to radiate RF energy at a first channel among multiple channels. The amplifier 214 of each beamforming module 206 distributes power between different channels according to the received instructions. The power distribution indication represents the percentage of the total received (e.g., distributed) power for radiating RF energy at each channel among multiple channels. For example, one element 122 may be assigned to radiate a greater amount of RF energy at a first channel among multiple channels than the amount of RF energy it radiates at a second channel and a third channel. As a result, this element 122 is more highly excited at the first channel than at the second and third channels. Optionally, a single amplifier 214 of each beamforming module 206 can be configured to distribute power to the corresponding elements 122 between channels. Alternatively, the beamforming module 206 includes multiple amplifiers 214 corresponding to the number of channels such that the multiple amplifiers 214 work together to distribute power to the same element 122 between channels.

[0037] The control unit 208 includes one or more processors 216 configured to operate based on programming instructions. The control unit 208 includes additional features or components such as a data storage device (e.g., memory) 218, an input / output (I / O) device (not shown), and / or a wireless communication device (not shown). The memory 218 stores programming instructions (i.e., software) that define the functions of the one or more processors 216. For example, the memory 218 may store a beam planning algorithm. The control unit 208 (e.g., its one or more processors 216) generates an excitation plan by executing the beam planning algorithm. The operation of the DRA antenna 124 is controlled according to the excitation plan.

[0038] The beam planning algorithm utilizes various input parameters and / or constraints corresponding to the DRA antenna 124 and the beams to be formed. For example, the input parameters related to the DRA antenna 124 include the number and arrangement of the elements 122 in the array 120, the type of the amplifier 214, and other components of the beamforming module 206, the available power for forming beams to be distributed among the elements 122, etc. The input parameters related to the beams can include the number of channels, the direction of the beam, the size of the beam, etc. The constraints that can be imposed during the execution of the beam planning algorithm can include specifying that at least one set of the elements 122 of the array 120 has a substantially uniform power distribution, although how to distribute this power among the channels to each element 122 can be determined by the beam planning algorithm. Optionally, the constraint can specify a power level that indicates the amount of power to be distributed to each of the elements 122 having a substantially uniform power distribution in the corresponding group.

[0039] Figure 2A illustrates Figure 2 a block diagram of the excitation plan 230 of the illustrated DRA antenna 124 and the elements 122. The excitation plan 230 generated by the control unit 208 assigns beamforming coefficients 232 to the elements 122. The beamforming coefficients 232 (illustrated as triangles and circles in Figure 2A ) are provided to the beamforming module 206 ( Figure 2 illustrated) and specify the settings for controlling the beamforming module 206. The beamforming coefficients 232 indicate the settings for controlling the electrical characteristics (such as amplitude (e.g., power) and phase) of the RF energy radiated by the assigned elements 122. The beamforming coefficients 232 can be represented as complex numbers including both amplitude and phase. Optionally, each beamforming coefficient 232 provides settings for the assigned element 122 to radiate RF energy at one channel. Thus, the excitation plan assigns multiple beamforming coefficients 232 to the same element 122 so that the element 122 radiates RF energy at multiple channels. For example, the first beamforming coefficient 232A assigned to the first element 122A specifies the amount of power and the phase to be used by the first element 122A to radiate RF energy at the first channel 234A of the beam, and the second beamforming coefficient 232B assigned to the first element 122A specifies the amount of power and the phase to be used by the first element 122A to radiate RF energy at the second channel 234B of the beam. As a result, the first element 122A radiates RF energy at both the first channel 234A and the second channel 234B. The operations of the signal modifier 212 and the amplifier 214 of the beamforming module 206 are controlled according to the assigned beamforming coefficients 232.

[0040] The excitation plan 230 assigns a corresponding set of beamforming coefficients 232 to the elements 122 in the array 120 to provide the respective channels 234 of a multi-channel beam. For example, the excitation plan assigns a first set 236 of coefficients 232 (shown as triangles in Figure 2A to at least some of the elements 122 to provide a first channel 234A of the multi-channel beam to these assigned elements 122. The excitation plan 230 assigns a second set 238 of coefficients 232 (shown as circles in Figure 2A to at least some of the elements 122 to provide a second channel 234B of the multi-channel beam to these assigned elements 122. As described above, some of the elements 122 can be assigned the respective beamforming coefficients 232 from multiple different sets 236, 238 so that these elements 122 radiate RF energy simultaneously at multiple channels 234 (such as the first channel 234A and the second channel 234B).

[0041] In a non-limiting example where the array 120 includes 100 elements 122 and the multi-channel beam to be formed includes five different channels 234, the excitation plan 230 generated by the control unit 208 assigns five beamforming coefficients 232 to each element 122 in the array 120 to obtain a total of 500 beamforming coefficients. Optionally, some of the elements 122 can be used to radiate RF energy at less than five channels 234, and thus less than five beamforming coefficients 232 can be assigned to these elements 122. By assigning beamforming coefficients to the elements 122, the excitation plan 230 is configured to control the characteristics of the beam formed by the DRA antenna 124 (such as shape, direction, output power, and associated efficiency, quality (e.g., gain), etc.). It can be appreciated that the excitation plan 230 may not affect the information transmitted in the beam received and / or determined by the signal source 202.

[0042] Figure 3 is a graph 300 showing the power distributed to the elements 122 in the first group of the array 120 according to an embodiment. The horizontal axis 302 shows multiple subgroups of the elements within the first group, including a first subgroup 304 ("subgroup A"), a second subgroup 306 ("subgroup B"), a third subgroup 308 ("subgroup C"), and a fourth subgroup 310 ("subgroup D"). Each of the subgroups 304, 306, 308, 310 represents one or more elements 122 of the array 120. One or more elements 122 in each subgroup are separated from the elements in other subgroups. The first group of elements 122 can represent all the elements 122 of the array 120 or a subset of the array 120. The vertical axis 312 represents power (e.g., electrical energy).

[0043] Graph 300 represents the DRA antenna 124 asFigure 2 A non-limiting example of how power is distributed to the elements 122 of the array 120 according to an excitation plan and power is distributed among different channels 234 to form a multi-channel beam is shown. In the example shown, the multi-channel beam has four channels 234, including a first channel 234A ("FC1"), a second channel 234B ("FC2"), a third channel 234C ("FC3"), and a fourth channel 234D ("FC4"). The excitation plan assigns beamforming coefficients to the elements 122 in the first group in such a way that each of the elements 122 receives a corresponding power distribution 314, 316, 318, 320. One or more elements 122 in the first subgroup 304 receive the power distribution 314, one or more elements 122 in the second subgroup 306 receive the power distribution 316, one or more elements 122 in the third subgroup 308 receive the power distribution 318, and one or more elements 122 in the fourth subgroup 310 receive the power distribution 320. Each power distribution specifies the total amount of power to be provided to the element 122 and also specifies the amount of that power to be distributed among the different channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, all of the elements 122 in the first group are used to simultaneously radiate RF energy at each of the four channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D of the multi-channel beam. For example, each of the power distributions 314, 316, 318, 320 includes a corresponding power allocation for all four channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D. Each beamforming coefficient is associated with a different channel. Thus, the excitation plan assigns multiple beamforming coefficients to each of the elements 122 in the first group to control the elements 122 to radiate simultaneously at multiple different frequencies. For example, the excitation plan can assign four corresponding beamforming coefficients to each of the subgroups 304, 306, 308, 310 of the elements 122 so that the elements 122 radiate at Figure 3 the four channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D shown. Each beamforming coefficient specifies an amount of power (e.g., a power setting or power level) for the assigned one or more elements 122 to be allocated to radiation on the associated channel (e.g., 234A, 234B, 234C, or 234D). Each of the power distributions 314, 316, 318, 320 represents the sum or total of the individual amounts of power assigned to the channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D by the assigned beamforming coefficients.

[0045] For example, the first beamforming coefficient assigned to the first subgroup 304 specifies a power amount for the elements 122 in the first subgroup 304 to be allocated to the radiated RF energy on the first channel 234A. The second beamforming coefficient assigned to the first subgroup 304 specifies a power amount for the elements 122 in the first subgroup 304 to be allocated to the radiated RF energy on the second channel 234B. The third and fourth beamforming coefficients assigned to the first subgroup 304 respectively specify the power to be allocated to the third channel 234C and the fourth channel 234D. The power distribution 314 represents the sum or total of the power amounts specified by the first, second, third, and fourth beamforming coefficients assigned to the first subgroup 304 for the four individual channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the excitation plan assigns beamforming coefficients to the elements 122 to provide a substantially uniform power distribution 324 among the elements 122 in the first group. The power distributed to each of the subgroups 304, 306, 308, and 310 is uniform or balanced such that Figure 3 the heights of the power distributions 314, 316, 318, and 320 in are equal. The power distribution is referred to as substantially uniform because the power distributed to each of the elements 122 in the first group is within a specified threshold range of the power distributed to all other elements 122 in the first group. The specified threshold range takes into account variables such as interference and losses in power transmission, which results in slightly different power being distributed to some elements compared to others. The specified threshold range can be 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, etc. of the power distributed to each element 122. As a result, all of the elements 122 in the first group can receive substantially the same amount of power from the corresponding amplifier 214, where any variation in power between two or more of the elements 122 is within the threshold range. The substantially uniform power distribution 324 enables the DRA antenna 124 (as Figure 2 shown) to operate with a desired power efficiency because each of the channels for which all of the elements 122 in the first group contribute to forming the beam is represented. In embodiments where the first group represents all of the elements 122 in the array, the excitation plan provides a substantially uniform power distribution 324 among all of the elements 122 in the array.

[0047] In the example shown, all four subgroups 304, 306, 308, and 310 receive an amount of power at a power level 322 (also referred to herein as the first power level 322). A substantially uniform power distribution 324 among the elements 122 is in accordance with the first power level 322. In a non-limiting example, the power level 322 is in the range of 0.1 to 10 watts. Optionally, the power level 322 can be an output value determined by a beamforming algorithm, or the power level 322 can be an input constraint. For example, the first power level can be a predetermined power level that is input before generating an excitation plan and is used by the beamforming algorithm to generate the excitation plan.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the excitation plan assigns beamforming coefficients to the elements 122 such that at least some of the elements 122 in the first group have a different power distribution among multiple channels of the beam than other elements 122 in the first group. For example, one or more elements 122 in a subgroup are controlled to distribute the received power differently among multiple channels than one or more elements 122 in other subgroups. In the embodiment shown, all four power distributions 314, 316, 318, and 320 have different power distributions among the four channels.

[0049] For example, the power distribution 314 for the first subgroup 304 assigns more power to the first channel 234A than to each of the other channels 234B, 234C, 234D. For example, approximately half of the total power distributed to the first subgroup 304 is assigned to the radiated RF energy on the first channel 234A, and the other half of the power distributed to the first subgroup 304 is divided approximately equally among the second channel 234B, the third channel 234C, and the fourth channel 234D. In the power distribution 316 for the second subgroup 306, more power is assigned to the second channel 234B than to each of the other channels 234A, 234C, 234D. For example, approximately half of the power is assigned to the radiated RF energy on the second channel 234B, and the other half is divided approximately equally among the first channel 234A, the third channel 234C, and the fourth channel 234D. Similarly, the power distribution 318 for the third subgroup 308 assigns approximately half of the received power to the radiated RF energy on the third channel 234C, and the power distribution 320 for the fourth subgroup 310 assigns approximately half of the received power to the radiated RF energy on the fourth channel 234D.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, although all elements 122 radiate at the first channel 234A, one or more elements 122 in the first subgroup 304 radiate more energy or intensity at the first channel 234A than the elements 122 in the other subgroups 306, 308, 310. Thus, the elements 122 of the first subgroup 304 contribute more to the formation of the first channel 234A of the multi-channel beam than the elements 122 in the other subgroups 306, 308, 310. Similarly, the elements 122 of the second subgroup 306 provide the greatest contribution to the formation of the second channel 234B of the multi-channel beam, the elements 122 of the third subgroup 308 provide the greatest contribution to the formation of the third channel 234C of the multi-channel beam, and the elements 122 of the fourth subgroup 310 provide the greatest contribution to the formation of the fourth channel 234D of the multi-channel beam. Even though the total power distributed to each element 122 may be uniform, generating an excitation plan to cause at least some of the elements 122 to distribute power differently among the multiple channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D can enable the DRA antenna 124 (as Figure 2 shown) to efficiently form a multi-channel beam without sacrificing quality. For example, a variance in the power distribution can result in the formation of a multi-channel beam with an antenna gain high enough to meet or exceed the standard.

[0051] Figure 4 FIG. is a diagram showing the power distributed to the elements 122 of the array 120 according to a second embodiment based on an excitation plan. In the illustrated embodiment, the elements 122 are divided into at least a first group 402 and a second group 404. Each group 402, 404 includes multiple subgroups of one or more elements 122. The first group 402 includes four subgroups 304, 306, 308, 310 as Figure 3 shown. The excitation plan assigns beamforming coefficients to the elements 122 in the first group 402 such that the subgroups 304, 306, 308, 310 receive corresponding power distributions 314, 316, 318, 320, as Figure 3 shown, to distribute power among the four channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D. In the illustrated embodiment, the elements 122 in the second group 404 are also used to radiate RF energy at the four channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D. For example, the excitation plan assigns a fifth power distribution 405 to the first subgroup 406 of the second group 404, a sixth power distribution 407 to the second subgroup 408 of the second group 404, a seventh power distribution 409 to the third subgroup 410 of the second group 404, and an eighth power distribution 411 to the fourth subgroup 412 of the second group 404.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the excitation plan assigns beamforming coefficients to the second set 404 to provide a uniform power distribution 424 among the elements 122 in the second set 404. For example, all four subgroups 406, 408, 410, 412 receive the same amount of power, as shown by the four power distributions 405, 407, 409, 411 having the same height in Figure 4 The power distributed to the elements 122 in the second set 404 is at the second power level 414. Thus, within a specified difference threshold range (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, etc.), the total power distributed to all the elements 122 in the second set 404 is equal to the second power level 414. The second power level 414 is different from the first power level 322 received by each of the elements 122 in the first set 402. Thus, the first set 402 has a substantially uniform power distribution 324, and the second set 404 also has a substantially uniform power distribution 424, but at different power levels. In the illustrated embodiment, the second power level 414 is less than the first power level 322, such that the elements 122 in the second set 404 receive less power than the elements 122 in the first set 402.

[0053] Figure 5 Illustrates an array 120 of elements 122 of a DRA antenna 124 according to Figure 4 the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the elements 122 in the first set 402 are arranged side by side within the central region 502 of the array 120 and are identified as the elements with an x - mark. The elements 122 in the second set 404 are arranged side by side within the peripheral region 504 of the array 120 and are identified by a single - line mark. The peripheral region 504 surrounds the central region 502. The elements 122 in the second set 404 surround the elements 122 in the first set 402. The second set 404 defines the perimeter of the array 120. As Figure 4 shown, the power distributed to the elements 122 in the first set 402 is greater than the power distributed to the elements 122 in the second set 404, such that the elements 122 located in the more central position are excited or energized at a higher level than the peripheral elements 122.

[0054] Figure 5 The arrangement shown is an example of a stepped taper. The stepped taper is selected by specifying which elements 122 in the array are classified as the first or central group 402 and which elements 122 in the array are classified as the second or peripheral group 404. An excitation plan can be generated based on this input information. Optionally, the power levels 322 and 414 for the two groups 402, 404 can be determined by a beamforming algorithm or can be predetermined values that are input to be used as constraints for the beamforming algorithm.

[0055] Now return to refer to Figure 4, the beamforming coefficients are assigned to the elements 122 in the second set 404 in a manner such that at least some of the elements in the element 122 have a different power distribution among the channels of the beam compared to other elements 122 in the second set 404. For example, the distributed power is differently allocated among the channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D for different subgroups 406, 408, 410, 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the first subgroup 406 is assigned more power for radiating RF energy on the first channel 234A than the other subgroups 408, 410, 412 are assigned to the first channel 234A. Among the elements 122 in the second set 404, the second subgroup 408 allocates the most power to the second channel 234B, among the elements 122 in the second set 404, the third subgroup 410 allocates the most power to the third channel 234C, and among the elements 122 in the second set 404, the fourth subgroup 412 allocates the most power to the fourth channel 234D. As described above, controlling the elements 122 in the second set 404 to allocate different amounts of power to different channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D can achieve high-quality beamforming.

[0056] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the power distributed to the elements 122 of the array 120 based on an excitation plan according to a third embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the elements 122 are divided into a first set 402 and a single-channel set 602. Each set 402, 602 includes a plurality of subgroups of one or more elements 122. The first set 402 includes four subgroups 304, 306, 308, 310, as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the four subgroups 304, 306, 308, 310 are assigned corresponding power distributions 314, 316, 318, 320 to distribute power among the four channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D. In one or more embodiments, the elements 122 in the single-channel group 602 are respectively only used to radiate RF energy at one of the four channels 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D. For example, the excitation plan assigns only one beamforming coefficient to each of the elements 122 in the single-channel group 602. All the power distributed to these single-channel elements 122 is uniquely used to radiate RF energy at the specific channel 234 specified by the assigned beamforming coefficient. In the illustrated embodiment, a first subgroup 604 of one or more elements 122 in the single-channel group 602 is assigned a beamforming coefficient to radiate RF energy at the first channel 234A. A second subgroup 606 of the single-channel group 602 is assigned a beamforming coefficient to radiate RF energy at the second channel 234B. Similarly, a third subgroup 608 of the single-channel group 602 is assigned to radiate RF energy at the third channel 234C, and a fourth subgroup 610 of the single-channel group 602 is assigned to radiate RF energy at the fourth channel 234D. In the illustrated embodiment, the power distributed to the elements 122 (also referred to herein as single-channel elements) in the single-channel group 602 is equal to the power distributed to the elements 122 in the first group 402 (e.g., the first power level 322), but in an alternative embodiment, the single-channel elements receive more or less power than the elements 122 in the first group 402.

[0057] Figure 7 Illustrates an array 120 of elements 122 of the DRA antenna 124 according to Figure 6 the illustrated embodiment. The single-channel elements 702 are spaced apart at different positions along the array 120. In the array 120, different pairs of two single-channel elements 702 represent the first subgroup 604, the second subgroup 606, the third subgroup 608, and the fourth subgroup 610. The subgroups 604, 606, 608, 610 are spaced apart from each other such that one or more elements 122 from the first group 402 separate the different subgroups 604, 606, 608, 610. Determining which elements 122 are designated as single-channel elements 702 (e.g., the positions of the single-channel elements 702) and how many single-channel elements 702 are used for each subgroup 604, 606, 608, 610 can be determined by the control unit 208 by executing a beam planning algorithm or can be predetermined and input into the beam planning algorithm as a constraint. Figure 7 The illustrated arrangement is an example of a unique partitioning by designating certain elements to be only for a single specific channel for forming a multi-channel beam, which can improve the beam quality by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0058] Although the unique partitioning of Figure 6 and Figure 7 as well as the stepped taper of Figure 4 and Figure 5 are described separately, another embodiment of the present disclosure combines the unique partitioning with the stepped taper. For example, the elements of the array can be partitioned into a first group 402, a second group 404, and a single-channel group 602. The elements of the array can be partitioned into any number of groups and subgroups. Figures 4 to 7 The groups 402, 404, 602 shown are merely non-limiting example embodiments.

[0059] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method 800 for controlling a DRA antenna to form a multi-channel beam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 800 can be executed in whole or at least in part by Figure 2 the control unit 208 of the DRA antenna 124 shown (e.g., one or more of its processors 216). Various embodiments of the method 800 can include Figure 8 additional steps not shown in Figure 8 fewer steps than the steps shown in Figure 8 and / or steps different from the steps shown in

[0060] At 802, antenna information related to the DRA antenna is received. The DRA antenna includes an element array configured to radiate RF energy to form a beam having multiple channels (e.g., a multi-channel beam). The antenna information identifies the number and arrangement of the elements in the array. The antenna information can also identify other components of the DRA antenna, including amplifiers. The antenna information can be accessed from a database, received via communication from another device, or received via user input. Additional information including information related to the beam to be formed (such as the expected direction of the beam, the size of the beam, the shape of the beam, etc.) can be received.

[0060] At 804, an excitation plan for powering elements to form a beam is generated based at least on antenna information under beam quality constraints. The excitation plan assigns a plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients to respective elements in a first set of elements. Each beamforming coefficient specifies an amount of power to be allocated to the assigned element to radiate RF energy at an associated channel of the beam. The excitation plan is generated to provide a uniform power distribution among the elements in the first set. The excitation plan is generated in such a way that at least some of the elements in the first set have a different power distribution among multiple channels of the beam than other elements in the first set. For example, the excitation plan provides a uniform power distribution among the elements such that the power allocated for the first element in the first set to radiate and the power allocated for the second element in the first set to radiate within the specified threshold range among multiple channels. The excitation plan is generated to provide a different power distribution among channels of the beam such that a first element in the first set is allocated a greater amount of power to radiate at a first channel than the amount of power allocated to a second element in the first set to radiate at the first channel.

[0061] At 806, power is distributed to the elements according to the excitation plan to form a beam having multiple channels. Power is received from a power source such as one or more battery cells, a generator, an alternator, etc. For example, an amplifier powers the elements individually based on the excitation plan so that the elements radiate RF energy, and the combined RF energy forms a multi-channel beam.

[0062] Optionally, generating the excitation plan includes dividing the elements of a direct radiation array antenna into a first set and a second set. The excitation plan is generated to assign beamforming coefficients to the elements in the second set to provide a uniform power distribution among the elements in the second set at a power level different from the power level distributed to the elements in the first set.

[0063] Optionally, generating the excitation plan includes assigning only one corresponding beamforming coefficient to each of a plurality of elements defining a single-channel set of a direct radiation array antenna. According to the assigned beamforming coefficient, each element in the single-channel set is controlled to radiate RF energy at only one channel of the beam.

[0064] In addition, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:

[0065] 1. A system (200), the system (200) comprising:

[0066] Direct-radiation array (120) antenna, the direct-radiation array (120) antenna comprising a plurality of elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) disposed in the array (120), the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) being configured to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy to form a beam (104) having a plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D); and

[0067] One or more processors (216), the one or more processors (216) being configured to generate an excitation plan (230) for powering the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) to form the beam (104), the excitation plan (230) assigning a plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients (232) to each element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in a group (402, 404, 602) of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C), each beamforming coefficient (232) specifying the power assigned to the assigned element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) to radiate RF energy at the associated channel of the beam (104),

[0068] wherein the excitation plan (230) assigns the beamforming coefficients (232) to provide a substantially uniform power distribution (324, 424, 314, 316, 318, 320) among the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602), and at least some of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) have a different power distribution among the plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) of the beam (104) than other elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602).

[0069] 2. The system (200) according to clause 1, wherein the incentive plan (230) assigns the beamforming coefficients (232) to provide the substantially uniform power distribution (324, 424, 314, 316, 318, 320) such that the power allocated among the plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) for radiating by the first element (122A) (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) and the power allocated among the plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) for radiating by the second element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) are within a specified threshold range of the sum of the two powers.

[0070] 3. The system (200) according to any one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the incentive plan (230) provides different power distributions among the plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) such that the first element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) is allocated a greater power for radiating at the first channel (234A) of the beam (104) compared to the power allocated to the second element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) for radiating at the first channel (234A) of the beam (104).

[0071] 4. The system (200) according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein at least some of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) are respectively connected to corresponding amplifiers (214) that supply power to the respective elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) to radiate RF energy when in operation.

[0072] 5. The system (200) according to clause 4, wherein the amplifiers (214) connected to the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) when in operation are of a general type.

[0073] 6. The system (200) according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients (232) are assigned to each of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) such that each of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) radiates RF energy simultaneously at the plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) of the beam (104).

[0074] 7. The system (200) according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the group (402, 404, 602) represents all of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the array (120), such that the excitation plan (230) assigns the beamforming coefficients (232) to provide the substantially uniform power distribution (324, 424) (314, 316, 318, 320) among all of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the array (120).

[0075] 8. The system (200) according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the excitation plan (230) provides the substantially uniform power distribution (324, 424, 314, 316, 318, 320) among the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) at a predefined power level (322), such that the predefined power level (322) is distributed to each of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602).

[0076] 9. The system (200) according to clause 1, wherein the group (402, 404, 602) is a first group (402, 404, 602), and wherein the excitation plan (230) divides the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) of the array (120) into the first group (402, 404, 602) of a plurality of elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) and a second group (402, 404, 602), wherein the excitation plan (230) assigns beamforming coefficients (232) to the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the second group (402, 404, 602) to provide a substantially uniform power distribution (324, 424, 314, 316, 318, 320) among the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the second group (404) (402, 404, 602) at a power level (322) different from the power level (322) distributed to the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the first group (402, 404, 602).

[0077] 10. The system (200) according to clause 9, wherein the incentive plan (230) assigns a plurality of beamforming coefficients (232) to each element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the second group (402, 404, 602), and assigns the beamforming coefficients (232) in such a manner that at least some elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the second group (402, 404, 602) have a different power distribution among the plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) of the beam (104) from other elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the second group (402, 404, 602).

[0078] 11. The system (200) according to clause 9, wherein the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the first group (402, 404, 602) are arranged side by side within a central region (502) of the array (120), and the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the second group (402, 404, 602) are arranged side by side within a peripheral region (504) of the array (120) surrounding the central region (502), wherein the power level (322) distributed to the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the first group (402, 404, 602) is greater than the power level (322) distributed to the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the second group (402, 404, 602).

[0079] 12. The system (200) according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the incentive plan (230) assigns only one corresponding beamforming coefficient (232) to each element among a plurality of elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) defining a single-channel group (402, 404, 602), and each element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the single-channel group (402, 404, 602) is controlled to radiate RF energy at only one of the plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) of the beam (104) according to the assigned beamforming coefficient (232).

[0080] 13. The system (200) according to clause 12, wherein one or more elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) assigned to radiate RF energy at a first channel (234A) of the beam (104) in the single-channel group (402, 404, 602) are spaced along the array (120) from the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the single-channel group (402, 404, 602) assigned to radiate RF energy at other channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) of the beam (104).

[0081] 14. A method (800) for controlling a direct-radiation array (120) antenna, the method (800) comprising the steps of:

[0082] Receiving antenna information related to the direct-radiation array (120) antenna, the antenna information identifying the number and arrangement of elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the direct-radiation array (120) antenna, the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) being configured to radiate radio-frequency (RF) energy to form a beam (104) having a plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D); and

[0083] Generating, via one or more processors (216), an excitation plan (230) for powering the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) to form the beam (104) based on the antenna information, the excitation plan (230) assigning a plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients (232) to each element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in a group (402, 404, 602) of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C), each beamforming coefficient (232) specifying the power assigned to the assigned element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) to radiate RF energy at an associated channel of the beam (104).

[0084] Wherein, the excitation plan (230) is generated to provide a substantially uniform power distribution (324, 424, 314, 316, 318, 320) among the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602), and at least some of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) have a different power distribution among the multiple channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) of the beam (104) from other elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602).

[0085] 15. The method (800) according to clause 14, the method further comprising the step of: distributing power to the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) according to the excitation plan (230) to form the beam (104) having multiple channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D).

[0086] 16. The method (800) according to any one of clauses 14 to 15, wherein the excitation plan (230) is generated to provide the substantially uniform power distribution (324, 424, 314, 316, 318, 320) such that the power distributed among the multiple channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) for the first element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) to radiate and the power distributed among the multiple channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) for the second element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) to radiate are within a specified threshold range of the sum of the powers.

[0087] 17. The method (800) according to any one of clauses 14 to 16, wherein the excitation plan (230) is generated to provide different power distributions among the multiple channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) of the beam (104) such that the first element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) is assigned a greater power to radiate at the first channel (234A) of the beam (104) compared to the power assigned to the second element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the group (402, 404, 602) to radiate at the first channel (234A) of the beam (104).

[0088] 18. The method (800) according to any one of clauses 14 to 17, wherein the group (402, 404, 602) is a first group (402, 404, 602), and wherein the step of generating the excitation plan (230) includes: dividing the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) of the direct radiation array (120) antenna into the first group (402, 404, 602) and a second group (402, 404, 602), wherein the excitation plan (230) is generated to assign beamforming coefficients (232) to the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the second group (402, 404, 602) to provide a substantially uniform power distribution (324, 424, 314, 316, 318, 320) among the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the second group (404) (402, 404, 602) at a power level (322) different from the power level (322) distributed to the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the first group (402, 404, 602).

[0089] 19. The method (800) according to any one of clauses 14 to 18, wherein the step of generating the excitation plan (230) includes: assigning only one corresponding beamforming coefficient (232) to each of the plurality of elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) that define a single-channel group (402, 404, 602) of the direct radiation array (120) antenna, and each of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the single-channel group (402, 404, 602) is controlled to radiate RF energy at only one of the plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D) of the beam (104) according to the assigned beamforming coefficient (232).

[0090] 20. A direct radiation array (120) antenna, the direct radiation array (120) antenna comprising:

[0091] a plurality of elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C), the plurality of elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) being disposed in an array (120), the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) being configured to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy to form a beam (104) having a plurality of channels (234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D); and

[0092] One or more processors (216), the one or more processors (216) being configured to generate an excitation plan (230) for powering the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) to form the beam (104), the excitation plan (230) assigning one or more beamforming coefficients (232) to each of the elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the array (120), each beamforming coefficient (232) specifying the power assigned to the assigned element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) to radiate RF energy at an associated channel.

[0093] Wherein, the excitation plan (230) assigns a plurality of beamforming coefficients (232) to a first element (122A) (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the array (120) and assigns a plurality of beamforming coefficients (232) to a second element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) in the array (120), such that each of the first element and the second element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) can radiate RF energy simultaneously at least at a first channel (234A) and a second channel (234B) of the beam (104).

[0094] Wherein, compared with the amount of power assigned to the second element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) to radiate at the first channel (234A), the first element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) is assigned a greater amount of power to radiate at the first channel (234A), and the total power distributed to the first element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C) to radiate RF energy is within a specified threshold range of the total power distributed to the second element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C).

[0095] Although various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the figures. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that the upper part is the lower part, and vice versa, the horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0096] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element “configured to” perform a task or operation is specifically formed, constructed, or adjusted structurally in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and to avoid doubt, an object that can only be modified to perform a task or operation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein.

[0097] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions and types of the materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, such embodiments are in no way restrictive but rather exemplary embodiments. After reviewing the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "wherein" are used as the plain English equivalents of the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". Additionally, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the above claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function without further structure.

[0098] This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the present disclosure (including the best mode), and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a direct-radiation array antenna, the system comprising: the direct-radiation array antenna, which includes a plurality of elements arranged in an array, the plurality of elements being configured to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy to form a beam having a plurality of channels; and one or more processors configured to generate an excitation plan for powering the plurality of elements to form the beam, the excitation plan assigning a plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients to each element in a first group of the plurality of elements, each beamforming coefficient specifying the power allocated to the assigned element to radiate RF energy at the associated channel of the beam, wherein the excitation plan assigns the beamforming coefficients to provide a uniform power distribution among the plurality of elements in the first group, and at least some of the plurality of elements in the first group have a different power distribution among the plurality of channels of the beam compared to other elements in the first group, wherein the excitation plan divides the plurality of elements of the array into the first group and a second group of a plurality of elements, such that the excitation plan assigns beamforming coefficients to the elements in the second group to provide a uniform power distribution among the elements in the second group at a power level different from the power level distributed to the elements in the first group.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the excitation plan assigns the beamforming coefficients to provide the uniform power distribution such that the power allocated to cause a first element in the first group to radiate and the power allocated to cause a second element in the first group to radiate are within a specified threshold range among the plurality of channels.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the excitation plan provides different power distributions among the plurality of channels such that a first element in the first group is allocated more power to radiate at a first channel of the beam compared to the power allocated to a second element in the first group to radiate at the first channel.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of elements are respectively connected, during operation, to corresponding amplifiers that supply power to the respective elements to radiate RF energy.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the amplifiers connected to the plurality of elements during operation are of a general type.

6. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients are assigned to each element in the first group such that each of the plurality of elements in the first group radiates RF energy simultaneously at the plurality of channels of the beam.

7. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first group represents all of the plurality of elements in the array, such that the excitation plan assigns the beamforming coefficients to provide the uniform power distribution among all of the plurality of elements in the array.

8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the excitation plan provides the uniform power distribution among the plurality of elements in the first group at a predefined power level, such that the predefined power level is distributed to each of the plurality of elements in the first group.

9. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the excitation plan assigns a plurality of beamforming coefficients to each element in the second group, and assigns the beamforming coefficients in such a way that at least some elements in the second group have a different power distribution among the plurality of channels of the beam from other elements in the second group; wherein the elements in the first group are arranged side by side in the central region of the array, and the elements in the second group are arranged side by side in the peripheral region of the array surrounding the central region, wherein the power level distributed to the elements in the first group is greater than the power level distributed to the elements in the second group.

10. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the excitation plan assigns only one corresponding beamforming coefficient to each element in a plurality of elements defining a single-channel group, and each element in the single-channel group is controlled to radiate RF energy at only one of the plurality of channels of the beam according to the assigned beamforming coefficient; wherein one or more elements in the single-channel group assigned to radiate RF energy at the first channel of the beam are spaced apart from elements in the single-channel group assigned to radiate RF energy at other channels of the beam along the array.

11. A method for controlling a direct-radiation array antenna, the method comprising the steps of: receiving antenna information related to the direct-radiation array antenna, the antenna information identifying the number and arrangement of elements in the direct-radiation array antenna, the elements being configured to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy to form a beam having a plurality of channels; and via one or more processors, generating an excitation plan for powering the elements to form the beam based on the antenna information, the excitation plan assigning a plurality of corresponding beamforming coefficients to each element in a first group of the elements, each beamforming coefficient specifying the power assigned to the assigned element to radiate RF energy at the associated channel of the beam, wherein the excitation plan is generated to provide a uniform power distribution among the elements in the first group, and at least some elements in the first group have a different power distribution among the plurality of channels of the beam from other elements in the first group; dividing the elements of the direct-radiation array antenna into the first group and a second group by the excitation plan; assigning beamforming coefficients to the elements in the second group by the excitation plan to provide a uniform power distribution among the elements in the second group at a power level different from the power level distributed to the elements in the first group.

12. The method according to claim 11, the method further comprising the steps of: Power is distributed to the elements according to the excitation plan to form the beam having a plurality of channels.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, the excitation plan is generated to provide the uniform power distribution such that the power assigned to the first element in the first group for radiation among the plurality of channels and the power assigned to the second element in the first group for radiation among the plurality of channels are within a specified threshold range.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, the excitation plan is generated to provide different power distributions among the plurality of channels of the beam such that the first element in the first group is assigned greater power for radiation at the first channel of the beam than the power assigned to the second element in the first group for radiation at the first channel of the beam.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, the step of generating the excitation plan includes: assigning only one corresponding beamforming coefficient to each of the plurality of elements of the defined single-channel group of the direct-radiation array antenna, and each element in the single-channel group is controlled to radiate RF energy only at one of the plurality of channels of the beam according to the assigned beamforming coefficient.

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