Array Antenna Beam Alignment via Simultaneous Power Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing array antenna beam alignment methods require lengthy detection times to determine accurate average powers, leading to prolonged alignment processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an array antenna system comprising at least two subarrays and two power detectors, allowing simultaneous power detection of output signals to quickly determine the optimal alignment direction by comparing powers, thereby reducing the need for prolonged detection times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If average power is collected over a long detection time for each receiving beam direction, then measurement precision is improved, but alignment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The array antenna is divided into multiple subarrays, with each subarray independently detecting power in different spatial directions. This segmentation allows parallel power measurements across multiple directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential scanning and long detection times while maintaining measurement accuracy through spatial diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from temporal averaging (collecting power over time in one direction) to spatial parallelism (detecting power across multiple directions simultaneously). By adding the spatial dimension to the measurement process, the system achieves both high measurement precision and fast alignment without requiring extended detection periods.
2Productivity
If sequential power measurement is performed for each receiving beam direction, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent power detectors, each assigned to a specific subarray and spatial direction. This segmentation enables concurrent power measurements across all directions, dramatically improving alignment speed. The modular detector architecture manages complexity by distributing measurement functions across multiple simple, identical units rather than one complex sequential system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power detectors are merged into a unified detection system that collectively provides comprehensive spatial power measurement. The combination of parallel detectors creates a high-productivity alignment system where each detector contributes to the overall alignment process simultaneously, achieving fast alignment without requiring any single detector to be overly complex.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an array antenna and a beam alignment method for an array antenna. The array antenna includes a first subarray, a second subarray, a first power detector, a second power detector, and a decision device, where the first power detector is connected to the first subarray, the second power detector is connected to the second subarray, the decision device is connected to the first power detector, the decision device is connected to the second power detector, the first power detector is configured to detect a power of an output signal of the first subarray, the second power detector is configured to detect a power of an output signal of the second subarray, and the decision device is configured to determine a first alignment direction of the array antenna according to the power of the output signal of the first subarray and the power of the output signal of the second subarray.