Analog Beamformer Using CDMA for Reduced Component Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiple Beam Antennas (MBAs) with analog beamformers require complex microwave matrix switches or phased array feeds, leading to large component counts, increased size, weight, DC power consumption, and cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of analog code division multiple access (CDMA) techniques reduces component complexity by eliminating the need for complex microwave matrix switches or phased array feeds, employing CDMA modulators and demodulators to electronically steer and shape beams with reduced circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex microwave matrix switches or phased array feeds are used to achieve electronic beam steering, then beam steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical microwave matrix switches and phased array feed networks with a digital signal processing-based system. Instead of using physical switches and transmission line topologies to steer beams, the invention uses digital beamforming where antenna elements are weighted and combined through digital signal processing, eliminating the need for complex analog switching networks while maintaining beam steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of beam steering from physical connectivity (which requires complex switches) to signal processing parameters (weights and phases). By using digital beamforming, the system achieves beam steering through software-controlled signal processing rather than hardware switching, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex microwave matrix switches are used to provide multiple beam outputs, then beamforming capability is improved, but the number of microwave switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for numerous microwave switches by replacing the physical switching mechanism with digital signal processing. Instead of using thousands of microwave switches to route signals to different beams, the system uses a set of antenna elements with digital weights that can be independently controlled, dramatically reducing the component count while maintaining the ability to form multiple beams simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex phased array feeds are used to change interconnects between elements and beams, then electronic steering is improved, but the number of phasors and attenuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the phased array feed network with direct digital beamforming. Instead of using phasors and attenuators in a feed network to control beam steering, the system directly applies digital weights and phases to antenna elements through digital signal processing, eliminating the need for these analog components while achieving the same electronic steering function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If analog beamformers with many components are used, then beamforming capability is improved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy analog beamforming components (microwave switches, power summers, interconnect topologies) with lightweight digital signal processing circuits. By moving the beamforming function to the digital domain, the system achieves the same beamforming capability with significantly reduced hardware complexity, resulting in lighter and more compact system architecture.
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 significantly reduces the number of microwave switches, power summers, power dividers, phasors, and interconnect topologies, resulting in a more compact, power-efficient, and cost-effective analog beamformer system.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of antenna elements with associated low noise amplifiers and CDMA encoders
Implementation Method 2
CDMA encoding of the antenna element RF signal may include a mixer acting as a bi-phase modulator driven by a digital integrated circuit generating an orthogonal CDMA code
Implementation Method 3
a mixer acting as a bi-phase modulator (at the antenna RF) driven by a digital integrated circuit generating an orthogonal CDMA code
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed towards an analog beamformer multiple beam feed (MBF). The analog beamformer MBF comprises a plurality of encoder elements to receive radiofrequency (RF) signals and generate coded analog signals. The RF signals may be coded using code division multiple access (CDMA) codes. The analog beamformer MBF further comprises a combiner to combine the coded analog signals received from the plurality of encoder elements and a divider to receive the combined coded analog signals and generate a plurality of coded analog outputs. The analog beamformer MBF further comprises a plurality of decoder elements to receive the plurality of coded analog outputs and generate decoded analog signals. In some embodiments, the RF signals may be decoded using CDMA codes. The analog beamformer MBF further comprises a plurality of beamformer elements configured to generate beam outputs corresponding to the decoded analog signals.