Antenna Array Circuitry for Concurrent Multi-Beam Superposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G NR mmWave communications require multiple antenna arrays to achieve concurrent operation of independent beams in different directions, leading to increased hardware costs and power consumption, and space constraints in devices like smartphones.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dynamically superposing pre-optimized sub-beams within a single antenna array using a new code-word that combines phase and gain configurations, allowing for concurrent operation of multiple beams without additional hardware, thereby reducing the need for multiple antenna arrays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna arrays are used to achieve concurrent operation of independent beams in different directions, then beam diversity and MIMO performance are improved, but hardware cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam diversityVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple antenna arrays into a single antenna array that can form multiple independent beams simultaneously by using multiple code-words, each code-word controlling a subset of antenna elements to create spatially separated beams, thereby achieving beam diversity without requiring multiple separate antenna arrays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single antenna array is designed to perform multiple functions: it can form multiple independent beams concurrently, support MIMO operations, and provide spatial diversity all through one array structure controlled by multiple code-words, making the system universal and multi-functional without additional hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple antenna arrays are deployed for concurrent multi-beam operation, then communication reliability is improved, but device space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple antenna arrays are merged into a single integrated antenna array structure that can simultaneously generate multiple independent beams through code-字 manipulation, reducing the physical space required while maintaining the reliability benefits of multi-beam operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna arrays are used for concurrent beam operation, then interference management capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference management capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna arrays into one, reducing the total power consumption while maintaining interference management capability through intelligent code-字 assignment that directs beams away from interfering sources and creates spatial nulls in the direction of interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11424811B2Techniques for analog beamforming

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 INTEL CORP

AI summary

This disclosure relates to an antenna array circuitry for analog beamforming, the antenna array circuitry comprising: a plurality of antenna elements, wherein each antenna element is configured to receive a respective analog signal (r(1,t), r(2,t), r(N,t)), wherein the plurality of antenna elements is adjustable based on a code-word, wherein the code-word comprises respective phase configurations (θp(1), θp(2), θp(N)) of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the code-word is based on a superposition of a predetermined set of basic code-words, wherein each basic code-word associates with a corresponding sub-beam, wherein a main radiation lobe of the corresponding sub-beam points in a predefined spatial direction.