Active Phased Array Antenna Filters for Dynamic Frequency Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active phased arrays lack the ability to dynamically control the number of antennas transmitting signals, limiting their adaptability and efficiency in communication systems, particularly in 5G frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating adjustable filters with capacitors and resistors, allowing for the adjustment of cut-off frequencies, enabling selective activation or deactivation of antennas based on carrier frequencies, thereby optimizing signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all antennas are always activated in an active phased array, then the signal transmission capability is maximized, but the adaptability to different frequency bands and communication scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the filter characteristics adjustable in real-time. The filter's cut-off frequency and impedance can be dynamically changed to match different carrier frequencies, allowing the phased array to adapt to various frequency bands (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) without physical reconfiguration of the antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the filter (cut-off frequency, impedance) to optimize performance for different operating conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system can selectively activate or deactivate antennas based on the current frequency band and communication requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and control complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If filters with fixed cut-off frequency are used, then the filter design is simple, but the filter cannot effectively select different carrier frequencies for different communication standards
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing its cut-off frequency and impedance to be adjusted according to the operating frequency band. This enables the same filter structure to work effectively with both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-frequency filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable filter serves multiple functions: it can operate as a low-pass filter for sub-6 GHz bands and as a high-pass filter for mmWave bands, or be deactivated entirely when not needed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single filter structure adaptable to different frequency requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
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 solution enhances the adaptability and efficiency of active phased arrays by allowing for real-time adjustment of antenna participation, improving communication performance across various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
Each filter includes a filter capacitor and a filter resistor. The filter capacitor is coupled between a first node and a second node and has a capacitance.
Implementation Method 2
The filter resistor is coupled between the second node and a third node and has a resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
An active phased array, including multiple antennas, multiple phase shifters, and multiple filters, is provided. The phase shifters are individually coupled to a corresponding one of the antennas. The filters are commonly coupled to a signal feeding line and individually coupled to a corresponding one of the phase shifters. Each filter includes a filter capacitor and a filter resistor. The filter capacitor is coupled between a first node and a second node and has a capacitance. The filter resistor is coupled between the second node and a third node and has a resistance. The first node is coupled to one of the signal feeding line, the second node is coupled to a corresponding one of the phase shifters, the third node is coupled to the ground, and at least one of the capacitance and the resistance is adjustable.