Active Antenna Array Beam Steering with Injection-Locked Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrays, such as those described in PTL 1, can synchronize the phases of active antennas but do not enable beamforming to direct a beam in arbitrary directions by controlling the phase differences between active antennas.
Innovation Solution
The antenna apparatus includes a plurality of active antennas with independent oscillation frequency control, coupled by a coupling wire to achieve mutual injection locking, and a beam direction control unit that adjusts the phase differences by controlling the bias applied to each active antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If coupling wires are used to synchronize phases of multiple active antennas, then phase synchronization is achieved, but beamforming capability to direct beams in arbitrary directions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the oscillation frequencies of the active antennas dynamically adjustable through independent frequency control units. Each active antenna can be tuned to different frequencies, enabling the system to transition from synchronized operation to beamforming operation as needed, thus resolving the contradiction between phase synchronization stability and beamforming adaptability
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple active antennas are arranged on the same substrate, then integration is improved, but control of phase differences for beamforming becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into independent frequency control units, with each unit independently controlling the oscillation frequency of a corresponding active antenna. This segmentation allows each antenna to be controlled independently for phase difference adjustment, making beamforming operations easier while maintaining the integrated substrate arrangement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for effective beamforming, enabling the antenna array to direct the peak of the antenna gain at an arbitrary angle from the substrate vertical direction.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling wire configured to couple the first antenna and the second antenna
Implementation Method 2
a first active antenna including a first oscillator and a first antenna, a second active antenna including a second oscillator and a second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna apparatus for generating or detecting an electromagnetic wave, comprises a first active antenna including a first oscillator and a first antenna, a second active antenna including a second oscillator and a second antenna, a coupling wire configured to couple the first antenna and the second antenna, a first terminal configured to accept a signal for controlling a first oscillation frequency of the first oscillator before synchronization by the coupling wire, and a second terminal configured to accept a signal for controlling, independently of the first oscillation frequency, a second oscillation frequency of the second oscillator before synchronization by the coupling wire.