Active Antenna Array Beam Steering With Selective Sub-Array Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiofrequency transmission/reception systems face high energy consumption due to the need to transmit in multiple directions simultaneously, even when there are no mobile terminals, and struggle with efficiently turning off additional antennas as the beam deflection angle increases.
Innovation Solution
A radiofrequency transmission/reception system with a network of active antennas, including a main group and auxiliary groups oriented at acute angles, uses parasitic elements and PIN diodes to selectively control directivity, allowing selective activation of antennas and reducing energy consumption by turning off unnecessary antennas, especially at high beam misalignment angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the beam deflection angle increases to achieve high misalignment values (±45°), then the beam can be directed to cover wider areas, but the number of antennas that can be turned off decreases, leading to higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple sub-arrays, each capable of being independently controlled and turned on/off. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary sub-arrays for the current beam direction, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability across wide deflection angles
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which antenna sub-arrays are active based on the required beam deflection angle. As the beam direction changes, the control device selectively activates or deactivates specific sub-arrays to optimize energy consumption while maintaining the desired beam coverage
2Reliability
If all antennas are kept active to maintain radiation template coverage, then beam quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the antenna array have different operational states based on local requirements. The control device determines which specific antenna sub-arrays need to remain active to maintain the radiation template in the current beam direction, allowing other sub-arrays to be turned off for energy savings
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple antennas are turned off to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the ability to maintain beam quality at high deflection angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the active antenna configuration based on the beam deflection angle. At high deflection angles, the control device selectively activates sub-arrays positioned to maintain optimal beam quality while keeping other sub-arrays inactive, thus preserving beam quality while minimizing energy consumption
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
The system achieves significant reductions in energy consumption by selectively controlling antenna directivity, particularly at high beam misalignment angles, while maintaining beam quality and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
each parasitic element comprises at least two sub-elements; the system further comprises, for each parasitic element, a PIN diode designed to selectively connect the two sub-elements of the parasitic element, the control means being designed to selectively control each of the PIN diodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Disclosed is a radiofrequency transmission/reception system comprising an array (308) of active antennas comprising a main group (A0) of active antennas oriented in a main direction (d0). The system further comprises a control device (3) for said active antenna array (308) designed to receive a misalignment value (φ) from several possible misalignment values and to control the active antennas (5.1...5.N) in such a way as to emit a beam that is misaligned by the received misalignment value, relative to the main direction (d0). The active antenna array (308) comprises at least one auxiliary group (A1, A2) of active antennas, referred to as auxiliary antennas, oriented in an auxiliary direction (d1; d2), different from the main direction (d0).