Beam Forming ASIC Direct Calculation for Fast Phased Array Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array systems face limitations in fast beam steering due to the need for extensive programming and reconfiguration of multiple registers, which slows down the process and can degrade the quality of beam forming operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of direct calculation within beam forming ASICs, where the beam forming controller instructs each ASIC to steer to a specified direction, and the ASICs calculate phase settings for array elements, reducing the amount of programming required and enabling faster configuration and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional programming and reconfiguration of multiple registers is used for beam steering, then beam forming quality is maintained, but beam switching speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase calculation function from the central controller and implements it directly within the beam forming ASIC. By taking out the complex programming and register configuration tasks from the control system and embedding the calculation capability within the ASIC itself, the system achieves faster beam switching without sacrificing beam forming quality. The ASIC directly calculates phase settings for array elements based on steering directions, eliminating the need for extensive register programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam forming ASIC performs self-service by autonomously calculating phase settings for array elements based on steering directions received from the controller. Instead of requiring external programming of multiple registers, the ASIC uses its embedded calculation circuitry to determine phase values directly, reducing programming complexity and enabling faster reconfiguration. The system essentially programs itself through direct mathematical calculation rather than external configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive programming of multiple registers is performed, then accurate phase control is achieved, but reconfiguration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/register-based configuration system with a direct calculation approach. Instead of writing multiple register values to configure phase settings, the system uses mathematical formulas embedded in the ASIC to calculate phase values directly from steering directions. This substitution of calculation for mechanical programming maintains precise phase control while dramatically reducing reconfiguration time, as mathematical computation is faster than sequential register writing.
Solution Approach 2:
The ASIC contains pre-built calculation circuitry and formulas for determining phase settings based on array element positions and steering directions. This preliminary preparation of calculation logic within the hardware allows the system to rapidly compute phase values without requiring step-by-step programming during reconfiguration. The calculation framework is established in advance, enabling fast adaptation to new beam directions.
3Productivity
If traditional beam steering control is used, then system stability is maintained, but beam forming efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam forming functionality into independent calculation units within the ASIC, where each unit can calculate phase settings for array elements independently and simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel computation of phase values for multiple elements, significantly improving beam forming efficiency. The modular architecture maintains system stability by keeping each calculation unit self-contained and deterministic, ensuring reliable and repeatable phase generation.
Data Source
AI summary
This patent application describes systems, devices, and methods for element-level self-calculation of phased array vectors by a beam forming ASIC using direct calculation such as for fast beam steering.