Antenna System Data-Bus Control Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems for mobile applications are complex, expensive, and require extensive wiring due to the need for multiple control units and high-quality signal transmission, making them cumbersome and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system utilizing a data-bus configuration with a target value provider, sensor units, and drive units to control movements in multiple degrees of freedom, eliminating the need for additional control units and reducing wiring requirements through a CAN-bus based motor system and inclination sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple control units and high-quality wiring are used to ensure reliable signal transmission and control, then the antenna system achieves precise movement control, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control units into a single integrated control unit that manages all antenna elements. This control unit is further integrated with the signal processor, eliminating the need for separate control units for each antenna element. The data bus integrates power and signal transmission into a single communication infrastructure, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The data bus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission to antenna elements, carries control signals for beamforming, transmits sensor data from inclinometers and positioning sensors, and enables bidirectional communication between the control unit and antenna elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring for each function.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple control units and extensive wiring are implemented for precise antenna control, then the control precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control units into a single integrated control unit that handles all antenna elements, reducing component count and assembly complexity. The data bus combines power and signal transmission into one infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate high-quality wiring for each function, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data bus acts as an intermediary that carries both power and control signals between the control unit and antenna elements. This intermediary infrastructure replaces multiple separate wiring systems, reducing the need for expensive high-quality wiring while maintaining signal integrity through digital communication protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive wiring and multiple control units are used for antenna control, then the control functionality is enhanced, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and signal communication into a single data bus infrastructure, dramatically reducing the number of wires needed. The integrated control unit consolidates multiple control functions into one device, simplifying the installation process while maintaining full control functionality for beamforming and antenna positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The data bus is designed as a universal communication infrastructure that handles power delivery, control signals, and sensor data transmission simultaneously. This multi-functional bus simplifies installation by requiring only one wiring infrastructure instead of multiple separate systems, while providing comprehensive control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
It is disclosed an antenna system drivable in at least one degree of freedom, comprising a target value provider configured to provide at least one target value, a data-bus configured to relay the at least one target value, at least one sensor unit configured to provide a current position in the at least one degree of freedom via the data-bus to the target value provider, and at least one antenna drive unit configured to drive the drivable antenna in the at least one degree of freedom according to the at least one target value.