Adaptive RF Beamforming for Spectrum Sharing and Interference Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF systems fail to detect the presence of proximate RF signals from different systems, leading to continuous interference and degradation of local RF network capacity and service, as they either shut down temporarily or do not suppress interference effectively.

Innovation Solution

Adaptive adjustment of RF signals by forming a radiation null along the angle of arrival of a prioritized RF signal in the radiation pattern of a non-prioritized RF signal, using an antenna array, RF signal detection, and signal-forming subsystems to suppress interference while maintaining communication functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If RF systems transmit signals continuously, then communication functionality is maintained, but interference with prioritized RF systems occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidinterference with prioritized RF system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the radiation pattern adaptive rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors for prioritized RF signals and dynamically adjusts the radiation pattern in real-time. When a prioritized signal is detected, the system forms a radiation null in that direction; when not detected, the system maintains normal transmission. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain communication functionality while suppressing interference when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial distribution parameter of the transmitted RF signal by forming radiation nulls in specific directions. By adjusting the beamforming weights and phase shifts of the antenna elements, the system modifies the radiation pattern's angular distribution to create deep nulls toward detected prioritized RF signals, thereby suppressing interference in those directions while maintaining transmission in other directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If RF systems shut down temporarily to avoid interference, then interference with prioritized RF systems is suppressed, but local RF network capacity is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference suppressionVSAvoidlocal RF network capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating direction-specific radiation characteristics rather than uniformly suppressing transmission in all directions. The system forms radiation nulls only in the directions where prioritized RF signals are detected, while maintaining normal transmission strength in other directions. This localized suppression approach eliminates interference toward specific prioritized systems while preserving communication capacity in other directions, avoiding the need for complete shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If antenna array points towards ground for cellular transmission, then cellular communication is enabled, but sidelobes leak signals upward interfering with airborne radar

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecellular communicationVSAvoidsidelobe leakage interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the cellular base station monitor the RF environment for airborne radar signals. When radar signals are detected in the upward direction, the system uses this feedback information to adjust its radiation pattern, forming nulls in the upward directions where sidelobe leakage occurs. This closed-loop approach allows the system to maintain ground-oriented cellular transmission while actively suppressing upward sidelobe interference when radar systems are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach dynamically suppresses interference with prioritized RF systems while maintaining uninterrupted RF communication with non-prioritized systems, preserving local RF network capacity and service.

Implementation Method 1

A radiation null is formed along the angle of arrival of the prioritized RF signal in a radiation pattern of the non-prioritized RF signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Data Source

PatentUS12556238B2Adaptive signal forming for radio frequency spectrum sharing with interference suppression

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Examples are disclosed that relate to adaptively adjusting a radio frequency (RF) signal to suppress interference with radio operation of a prioritized RF system while maintaining radio operation of a non-prioritized RF system. In one example, a system includes an antenna array, a RF signal detection subsystem, and a signal-forming subsystem. The RF signal detection subsystem is configured to detect a prioritized RF signal in a prioritized RF spectrum band and determine an angle of arrival of the prioritized RF signal. The signal-forming subsystem is configured to output a non-prioritized RF signal based at least on the angle of arrival. A radiation null is formed along the angle of arrival in a radiation pattern of the non-prioritized RF signal. The signal-forming subsystem is configured to transmit the non-prioritized RF signal via the antenna array.