Analog Beamforming for Direct Radiating Phased Array Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-beam phased array antenna systems are heavy, large, and complex due to the large number of components required for beamforming, leading to time-consuming integration and excessive space occupation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining adjustments for signals associated with elements symmetrically dispersed around a central point, applying these adjustments to both in-phase and quadrature components, and processing signals in a cascaded manner across dimensions to reduce the number of weighting coefficients and components needed, allowing for modular beamforming on planar boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-beam phased array antenna systems use multiple RF inputs with amplifiers and power combiners for beamforming, then beamforming capability is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power combiner component from the traditional phased array system. By removing this component and reconfiguring the signal distribution network, the system achieves beamforming capability with significantly reduced weight and complexity, directly addressing the contradiction between beamforming capability and system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the signal distribution network perform multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both the signal distribution network and the beamforming network. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power combiners and reduces the overall component count, resolving the contradiction between achieving beamforming capability and reducing system weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional phased array systems use multiple phase shifters, summers, and multipliers for beamforming, then beamforming capability is achieved, but the system occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power combiner and reduces the number of required phase shifters and multipliers by reconfiguring the signal distribution network. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces the space required for system integration while maintaining beamforming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the signal distribution network and beamforming network into a single integrated structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing the overall space occupation while achieving the same beamforming functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional phased array systems integrate multiple components for beamforming, then beamforming capability is achieved, but integration becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the power combiner and reducing the component list through signal distribution network reconfiguration, the patent significantly reduces the integration workload and time required to assemble the beamforming system while maintaining full beamforming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of signal distribution and beamforming functions into a single network reduces the number of interconnections and assembly steps required, thereby reducing integration time while achieving the same beamforming capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional phased array systems use a large number of components for beamforming, then beamforming capability is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the power combiner component, significantly reducing the number of components required for beamforming. This reduction directly lowers system complexity while maintaining the beamforming capability through reconfigured signal distribution networks.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the signal distribution network perform multiple functions including beamforming, the patent reduces the total component count and simplifies the system architecture, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the same beamforming capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for processing data from an antenna array including a plurality of elements (202, 204, 206, 208, 210 212, 214 and 216) distributed on opposite sides of a central point (604) is disclosed. The method includes determining an adjustment for a first signal associated with a beam and a first element (216) of the plurality of elements (202, 204, 206, 208, 210 212, 214 and 216). The first element (216) is located on a first side of the central point (604) of the antenna array. The method includes applying the determined adjustment to the first signal, and applying the determined adjustment to a second signal. The second signal is associated with the beam and a second element (202) of the plurality of elements (202, 204, 206, 208, 210 212, 214 and 216). The second element (202) is located on a second side of the central point (604) of the antenna array (200) substantially a same distance away from the central point (604) as the first element (216).