Beam Steering Phased Array Antenna for Millimeter Wave Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter wave communication systems face challenges in achieving high antenna gain and effective beam scanning with low additional loss, while also requiring automatic alignment and power combining from multiple antenna elements without degrading RF linearity or transmitting power.
Innovation Solution
A beam steerable communication apparatus with a focusing element, antenna elements on its focal plane, a beamforming network, and transceivers capable of phase control, allowing for power combination and distribution across multiple ports, utilizing a Butler matrix for phase distribution and reciprocity to achieve high gain and efficient beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If antennas with narrow radiation pattern beam are used to achieve high gain value, then signal transmission effectiveness is improved, but antenna alignment difficulty increases and connection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electronic beam steering that allows the radiation beam to dynamically change direction without mechanical movement. The beam can be electronically redirected to track moving targets or adjust to alignment requirements, resolving the contradiction between narrow beam width and ease of alignment by making the beam direction adaptable rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the beam direction parameter electronically through phase shifting mechanisms, allowing the same antenna to maintain a narrow beam width while changing its pointing direction. This enables high gain operation with improved alignment capability through parameter adjustment rather than mechanical repositioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If phased antenna arrays are used to achieve electronic beam steering, then beam scanning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements, each capable of being individually controlled through phase shifters. This segmentation enables electronic beam steering functionality while allowing the system to achieve adaptability through coordinated operation of simpler, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism
3Length of stationary object
If power is increased to compensate for atmospheric absorption, then communication distance is improved, but transmission power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple antenna elements through coherent addition, where the phased array mechanism constructively interferes to concentrate energy in the desired direction. This merging of multiple lower-power signals achieves the equivalent of higher transmitted power with improved distance capability, avoiding the need to increase individual transmitter power levels
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 solution enables high gain and efficient beam scanning with low loss, facilitating automatic alignment and power combination, thereby increasing communication throughput and distance while reducing deployment time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The phase distribution law formed on the beamforming ports is determined by a baseband modem control commands to the transceivers, said phase distribution law is to combine or distribute signal power on all beamforming ports from or to at least one antenna port of the beamforming network
Implementation Method 2
a focusing element with a focal plane, a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the focal plane of the focusing element
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a beam steerable communication apparatus comprising a focusing element with a focal plane, a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the focal plane of the focusing element, a beamforming network which has a plurality of antenna ports and a plurality of beamforming ports, at least one radio frequency transceiver capable to control the phase of carrier frequency signals on its independent outputs, and a baseband modem, wherein each antenna port of the beamforming network is coupled to at least one antenna element, each beamforming port of the beamforming network is coupled to an independent transceiver output, and the phase distribution law formed on the beamforming ports is determined by a baseband modem control commands to the transceivers, said phase distribution law is to combine or distribute signal power on all beamforming ports from or to at least one antenna port of the beamforming network, wherein each radio frequency transceiver includes at least a phase shifter, a Tx/Rx switch, LNA, PA, up and down-conversion mixers, LO generation circuit, receive power combining and transmit power distribution schemes. The technical result of the invention is in the capability of providing efficient beam steering with high gain antennas with all the prospect features of phased antenna arrays, such as the ability to combine/distribute signal power between several RF amplifiers, thus, facilitating linearity requirements and increasing an output power of a transmitter. The present invention can be used, without limitations, in radio relay point-to-point communication systems, e.g. for forming backhaul networks of cellular mobile communication, in car radars and other radars, in local and personal communication systems, in satellite and intersatellite communication systems, etc.