Phased Antenna Array Signal Summing via Data Collection Frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large phased antenna arrays face challenges in managing extensive cabling, scaling without significant structural changes, and efficiently collecting signals from numerous antennas, leading to complex cabling and logistical issues.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves chaining antenna units and combining data collection with signal summing, allowing for increased antenna counts with minimal bandwidth increase, using a data collection frame that circulates and sums delayed contributions, and distributing computational tasks among simple units, while the same cabling is used for data collection and time reference distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of antennas in the array is increased, then the angular resolution and signal collection capability are improved, but the cabling complexity and logistical burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into multiple antenna units, each capable of independent operation and signal processing. Each antenna unit contains its own summing unit and delay units, allowing the system to scale by adding modular units rather than expanding a centralized system. This segmentation reduces cabling complexity by localizing signal processing functions at each unit rather than requiring all signals to be routed to a central location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to signal collection by circulating a data collection frame through the chain of antenna units. Instead of collecting all signals simultaneously through parallel cabling, the system uses sequential time-multiplexed collection where the data collection frame visits each antenna unit in turn. This transforms a spatial scaling problem into a temporal processing problem, allowing linear scaling of antenna units without quadratic increase in cabling requirements.
2Device complexity
If traditional centralized signal summation is used, then signal processing is simplified, but the bandwidth requirements and data collection complexity increase with the square of the number of antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function by distributing summing units and delay units to each antenna unit rather than concentrating all processing at a central location. Each antenna unit performs local signal summation and delay operations, reducing the bandwidth requirements of individual communication links. The overall system achieves centralized processing capability through coordinated operation of distributed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic circulation of the data collection frame through the chain of antenna units. The frame visits each antenna unit in sequence, collecting signals at different time instances. This periodic time-multiplexed approach allows the system to handle signals from N antennas using a single communication channel with bandwidth independent of N, transforming the bandwidth scaling problem from O(N²) to O(1).
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna unit is used in an antenna array. It comprises a measurement signal receiver for receiving and digitizing a measurement signal from an antenna. A time delay unit delays the digitized measurement signal. A data collection receiver receives a data collection frame, and a data collection transmitter is configured to sum the delayed digitized measurement signal with pre-existing data in the received data collection frame and to transmit the so constructed updated data collection frame further.