Array Antenna Relay Phase Control for Dynamic Beam Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The direction-control Van Atta array disclosed in NPL 1 is limited in that it requires fixed arrival and re-radiation directions, cannot dynamically change phase rotation amounts, and is restricted to fixed frequencies, making it ineffective for varying arrival directions and wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A relay device with an array antenna where the spacing between antenna elements is constant, using phase control units to calculate and apply phase adjustments based on arrival and re-radiation directions, and capable of handling multiple frames and wavelengths, allowing dynamic phase rotation for flexible direction control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed phase rotation amounts are used in a Van Atta array, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the arrival direction and re-radiation direction are fixed and cannot be dynamically changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed phase rotation amounts with dynamically adjustable phase rotation amounts. The phase rotation amount calculation unit calculates phase rotation amounts based on arrival direction and re-radiation direction, allowing the system to adapt to different directional requirements. This transforms the static Van Atta array into a dynamic system that can change its radiation characteristics in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of phase rotation amount from fixed to variable. By introducing a phase rotation amount calculation unit that computes phase rotation amounts based on arrival and re-radiation directions, the system enables continuous adjustment of radiation patterns. This parameter change allows the relay device to handle various arrival directions and wavelengths, significantly improving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase rotation amounts are calculated and adjusted dynamically, then adaptability to different directions and wavelengths is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a phase rotation amount calculation unit that can handle multiple functions: calculating phase rotation amounts for different arrival directions, different re-radiation directions, and different wavelengths. This single unit replaces the need for multiple fixed-configuration systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the phase rotation amount calculation unit to continuously determine appropriate phase rotation amounts based on the actual arrival direction and desired re-radiation direction. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust to changing conditions, reducing the need for complex manual configuration and control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If the Van Atta array structure with equal path lengths is used, then the re-radiation direction can be controlled, but the frequency and wavelength are fixed and cannot handle multiple wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing dynamic phase rotation amount adjustment that adapts to different wavelengths. The phase rotation amount calculation unit calculates appropriate phase rotations for each wavelength, allowing the fixed physical structure to dynamically serve multiple frequency ranges. This enables the same hardware configuration to handle wavelength diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase rotation parameter dynamically based on wavelength variations. By calculating phase rotation amounts that account for different wavelengths, the system maintains effective operation across multiple frequency ranges while preserving the manufacturing simplicity of the equal path length Van Atta array structure.
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
Enables the radiation of wireless signals from any arrival direction to any re-radiation direction, overcoming the limitations of fixed directions and frequencies, and supporting multiple wavelengths and frames.
Implementation Method 1
phase adjustment units that apply phase rotation to signals transmitted by wire connections
Implementation Method 2
antenna elements re-radiate the signal transmitted by the wire connection
Data Source
AI summary
Using an array antenna in which a spacing between adjacent antenna elements is constant, each of combinations of two antenna elements in positions symmetrical relative to a center of an array is connected by wire connections in two paths, and a path length between the antenna elements in the combination of two antenna elements is the same in all of the combinations: a phase adjustment amount is calculated for each wire connection aside from a reference wire connection on the basis of an arrival direction of a wireless signal received by one antenna element in the combination of two antenna elements and a re-radiation direction of a wireless signal transmitted as a re-radiated wave by the other antenna element corresponding to the one antenna element, taking into account a phase difference between a signal transmitted by the wire connections connected to the one antenna element and a signal transmitted by the reference wire connection; and phase rotation is applied to the signal transmitted by the wire connections aside from the reference wire connection in accordance with the calculated phase adjustment amount.