Antenna Array Beam Dithering for Fine Steering Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam steering technologies in high aspect ratio antenna arrays face limitations in achieving precise steering due to the discrete nature of phase shifters, leading to inadequate signal control and interference issues, especially in 5G deployments where fine angular resolution and interference suppression are critical.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying a beam steering phase shift and a non-uniform phase offset to each antenna array element, allowing for a combination of these shifts to adjust the beam angle, thereby enabling finer angular resolution and controlling sidelobes without significant degradation, using techniques like beam trimming and non-uniform phase offset calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If discrete phase shifters are used for beam steering, then device complexity is reduced, but beam steering accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifting function is segmented into two parts: a coarse uniform phase shift applied to all elements for main beam steering, and a fine non-uniform phase offset applied to individual elements for precision adjustment. This segmentation allows discrete phase shifters to achieve continuous-like steering accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different phase adjustment strategies are applied to different antenna elements. The non-uniform phase offsets are element-specific and calculated based on local requirements to achieve precise beam pointing, while the uniform phase shift provides global beam direction control.
2Ease of operation
If uniform phase shift is applied for beam steering, then ease of operation is improved, but beam steering accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shift is segmented into a uniform component for easy beam direction control and a non-uniform component for fine angular resolution. This allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while achieving high steering accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The uniform phase shift is applied first to establish the main beam direction, followed by the non-uniform phase offset to fine-tune the angular position. This preliminary action sequence maintains ease of operation while improving accuracy.
3Device complexity
If conventional beam steering is used, then device complexity is reduced, but signal-to-interference ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Non-uniform phase offsets are applied locally to individual antenna elements to precisely control the beam pattern. This local adjustment enables better interference suppression and improved signal-to-interference ratio without requiring complex additional hardware.
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 enhances beam steering accuracy, improves signal-to-interference ratio, and maintains low sidelobe levels, achieving up to 97% of the maximum power level compared to conventional methods, while allowing for precise directional control and interference suppression.
Implementation Method 1
applying a beam steering phase shift to a plurality of antenna array elements in an antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatuses, and computer program product for beam steering to support beam dithering in high aspect ratio antenna arrays are provided. One method may include applying a beam steering phase shift to a plurality of antenna array elements in an antenna array. The method may also include applying a non-uniform phase offset to each of the antenna array elements in addition to the beam steering phase shift. In addition, the method may include shifting a beam angle of the antenna array based on a combination of the beam steering phase shift and the non-uniform phase offset at each of the antenna array elements. The non-uniform phase offset may be a minimum phase increment.