Antenna Array Beam Forming via Sequential Element Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems face challenges in accurately tracking multiple signals simultaneously due to the limitations of traditional phased array antennas, which are costly, power-intensive, and prone to errors in multipath environments, especially in enclosed or urban areas where multipath signals interfere with genuine positioning signals.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a single receive channel and correlator to form multiple beams by selectively switching antenna elements between active and inactive states, using a processor to manipulate phase and gain offsets, allowing for simultaneous beam formation without additional hardware, thereby mitigating multipath effects and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional simultaneous beam forming phased array antennas are used to track multiple signals simultaneously, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity, size, power consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam forming process into sequential time slots, where different antenna elements are activated in different time periods. This allows a single antenna element to be shared across multiple beam forming operations sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple simultaneous receive channels and reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to track multiple signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching of antenna elements between active and inactive states in a predetermined pattern. By cycling through different antenna elements in sequential time slots and applying periodic phase and gain manipulation, the system achieves simultaneous multi-signal tracking capability through time-division multiplexing, reducing the need for complex simultaneous processing hardware
2Device complexity
If sequential beam forming phased array antennas are used to reduce hardware complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track multiple signals simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic phase and gain manipulation that adapts to the activation state of different antenna elements. By dynamically adjusting phase and gain offsets based on which antenna element is currently active, the system maintains optimal beam forming performance across sequential time slots, enabling effective multi-signal tracking despite using a single receive channel at any given moment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single receive channel and correlator perform multiple functions by time-division multiplexing. The same hardware resources are reused across different time slots to serve multiple beam forming operations and track multiple signals simultaneously, achieving multi-functionality without requiring duplicate hardware for each signal
3Device complexity
If fixed beam forming antenna arrays are used to simplify the structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track moving signal sources is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering by periodically activating different antenna elements in a predetermined pattern and applying time-varying phase and gain offsets. This allows the beam direction to be electronically steered to track moving signal sources without mechanical movement, achieving adaptability while maintaining a fixed antenna structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with electronic phase and gain manipulation. By controlling the phase and gain of signals from different antenna elements through electronic circuits rather than mechanical movement, the system achieves beam steering capability without moving parts, simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining versatility
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for forming a beam of an antenna array, the device including: an antenna array having a plurality of spatially distributed elements; a processor for selectively switching said elements between first and second states wherein, in said first state, said elements are configured to receive an incoming signal; and a receiver operatively associated with said antenna array and said processor for generating a reference signal, mixing said incoming signal with a modified reference signal to generate a mixed signal and summing the mixed signal over a predetermined period to generate an accumulated signal, wherein said reference signal is modified prior to being mixed with said received signal such that said accumulated signal is indicative of the direction and magnitude of the beam of the antenna array.