Antenna Array Connectivity Detection for Beamforming Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna array systems lack a method to dynamically establish connectivity between antennas and logical channels, leading to inflexible manufacturing and assembly processes, and potential degradation or failure in beamforming capabilities due to unpredictable beam shapes and interference.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to assign relationships between logical channels and antenna element feeds by applying signals and detecting their presence, allowing for dynamic selection and configuration of antenna elements connected to transceiver line-ups, and identifying unconnected components for reconfiguration or reporting failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional fixed beam pattern antenna arrays are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but beamforming capabilities degrade due to unpredictable beam shapes and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing connectivity detection and mapping before the antenna array is deployed or used for beamforming. A test signal is transmitted through each logical channel, and the system detects which antenna elements receive the signal, establishing the connectivity map in advance. This allows the system to identify and correct any connectivity issues before they affect beamforming operations, ensuring reliable beamforming capabilities while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic connectivity assignment between logical channels and antenna elements is implemented, then beamforming precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the antenna array system to automatically detect and map its own connectivity between logical channels and antenna elements without requiring external intervention or complex configuration equipment. The system transmits test signals through logical channels and uses its own antenna elements to detect which elements are connected, automatically building the connectivity map. This self-diagnostic capability achieves precise beamforming configuration while minimizing the added complexity, as the system configures itself rather than requiring external setup infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectivity detection methods are added to antenna arrays, then assembly constraints are reduced, but detection and measurement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the connectivity detection function into a separate, dedicated signal transmission and detection process. Instead of trying to detect connectivity as part of the complex antenna array operation, the system isolates the detection function by transmitting test signals through logical channels and detecting which antenna elements receive them. This separation simplifies the overall system design, as the detection process is independent and can be performed without affecting the normal beamforming operations, thereby reducing assembly constraints while managing detection complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assigning, in a database, a relationship between at least one logical channel and at least one antenna element feed that is coupleable to at least one antenna element of an antenna arrangement, is described. The method comprises either: applying a first signal to at least one first logical channel; and detecting whether there is a presence of a radio frequency signal converted from the first signal on at least one first antenna element feed; or applying a second signal to at least one first antenna element feed coupleable to at least one first antenna element of the antenna arrangement; and detecting whether there is a presence of a logical signal converted from the second signal on at least one first logical channel. The method further comprises assigning in the database in response thereto a relationship between the at least one first logical channel and the at least one first antenna element feed. This advantageously allows assigning of logical channels via a plurality of transceivers to a plurality of antenna elements. Furthermore, a logical channel to beamform coefficient assignment may be determined for the antenna array.