Antenna Array Constellation Rotation for Signal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array antennas face inefficiencies in adjusting in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, leading to higher costs and reduced signal-to-noise ratios due to the involvement of numerous high-frequency elements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a constellation rotation system that rotates in-phase and quadrature-phase signals by a defined rotation angle, with a feedback system to determine and correct errors, reducing the need for multiple high-frequency elements by using a global signal and signal buses to align antenna elements effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional phased array antenna methods are used to adjust in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, then signal alignment capability is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase due to numerous high-frequency elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a single high-frequency signal path combined with baseband signal processing to achieve phase adjustment. Instead of controlling phase at each antenna element through multiple high-frequency elements, the system uses a mediator signal path that processes signals at baseband frequency, thereby reducing the number of high-frequency elements required while maintaining signal alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/high-frequency phase adjustment system with an electronic/baseband signal processing system. By substituting high-frequency phase shifters with baseband constellation rotation and signal addition, the system eliminates the need for numerous high-frequency adjustable elements, reducing device complexity while preserving the essential function of signal alignment.
2Ease of manufacture
If numerous high-frequency elements are used for signal adjustment, then signal alignment precision is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of phase adjustment from the high-frequency domain and relocates it to the baseband domain. By taking out the phase control function from the high-frequency signal path and implementing it through baseband constellation rotation and signal addition, the system reduces manufacturing cost by eliminating numerous high-frequency elements while maintaining signal alignment precision through mathematical signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter domain from high-frequency to baseband frequency. By transforming the phase adjustment operation from a high-frequency physical manipulation to a baseband mathematical operation (constellation rotation), the system achieves the same signal alignment precision with simpler, less expensive components.
3Reliability
If traditional high-frequency signal adjustment methods are used, then signal processing capability is sufficient, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing phase adjustment and signal combination operations at baseband frequency before upconversion to the final transmission frequency. By pre-adjusting the constellation points and combining signals in the baseband domain, the system avoids introducing noise during high-frequency phase manipulation, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining effective signal processing.
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 results in a more cost-efficient and effective signal alignment, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and improving the antenna's ability to automatically align with transmission sources like satellites.
Implementation Method 1
each unit configured to mix a radio frequency signal from one or more of the antennas with oscillating signals having phases defined by a global signal and to provide in-phase and quadrature-phase signals
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Apparatus (100) is described comprising: an antenna array (1021...102N); a plurality of units (1041...104N), each unit configured to mix a radio frequency signal from one or more of the antennas (102) with oscillating signals having phases defined by a global signal and to provide in-phase and quadrature-phase signals; a constellation rotation system configured to, for each unit, rotate a constellation point associated with the in-phase and quadrature-phase signals by a rotation angle to provide adjusted in-phase and quadrature-phase signals; signal buses (106, 107) for global in-phase and quadrature-phase signals configured to receive the adjusted in- phase and quadrature-phase signals, respectively, from a plurality of the units; a feedback system configured to, for each unit, compare one or more of the adjusted in-phase and quadrature-phase signals with one or more of the global in-phase and quadrature-phase signals to determine an error in the rotation angle.