Assignment-Based AESA Built-In-Test Beam State Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In radio frequency applications, scheduling-based approaches for antenna resource sharing are challenging when transmission and/or reception tasks are non-deterministic, and efficient testing of antenna elements is difficult, especially in scenarios requiring high-rate switching and fault isolation.

Innovation Solution

An assignment-based active electronically scanned array (AESA) system uses stored pre-computed beamstates for phase and attenuation control, enabling high-rate RF transmission switching and built-in-test (BIT) sequences for rapid element testing and fault isolation through dedicated BIT beam states and RF waveform test signal generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If scheduling-based approaches are used for antenna resource sharing, then antenna sharing among multiple tasks is enabled, but the system becomes difficult or impossible to use when transmission and/or reception tasks are non-deterministic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna sharing capabilityVSAvoidsystem usability with non-deterministic tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna resource sharing mechanism into deterministic scheduling for predictable tasks and assignment-based dynamic allocation for non-deterministic tasks. The system divides task handling into two pathways: scheduled tasks follow predetermined time slots, while non-deterministic tasks use real-time assignment commands from the controller, allowing both deterministic and non-deterministic operations to coexist without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static scheduling to dynamic assignment-based resource allocation. The controller generates real-time assignment commands that dynamically assign antenna resources to tasks based on current system state and task requirements, enabling the system to adapt to non-deterministic task arrivals and completions while maintaining efficient resource utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If high-rate switching of RF transmission is implemented in assignment-based AESA, then transmission flexibility and speed are improved, but efficient testing of antenna elements becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF transmission switching rateVSAvoidantenna element testing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration of test beam states that pre-define the antenna element assignments for testing. Before actual high-rate transmission switching occurs, the controller pre-configures dedicated test beam states with specific antenna element assignments, allowing rapid switching to these known test configurations without complex real-time calculation during the actual test execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces beam states as an intermediary layer between the controller and antenna elements during testing. The controller generates assignment commands that select from pre-defined beam states, which in turn configure the antenna elements for testing. This intermediary simplifies the testing process by abstracting the complex antenna element control into manageable beam state selections, enabling efficient testing even during high-rate switching operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If assignment-based AESA with high-speed beam state switching is used, then antenna resource utilization and reliability are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault isolation capabilityVSAvoidbeam state switching and control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses stored pre-computed beam states as templates or copies of antenna element configurations. Instead of calculating antenna assignments in real-time during switching, the controller selects from pre-computed beam state copies that are stored in memory. This copying approach reduces the computational complexity of high-speed beam state switching while maintaining the ability to rapidly reconfigure antenna elements for different tasks and fault isolation scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10148367B1Built-in-test (BIT) for assignment-based AESA systems

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Methods and apparatus to provide built-in-test and/or fault isolation of individual array elements in assignment-based AESAs. BIT beam states for array element testing can be stored in AESA memory for rapid assignment sequencing of RF waveform generators and receive processing. Assignment-based selection can be used for AESA BIT beam states.