Beamforming Antenna Sub-Array Layout With Shared RF Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna systems face challenges in increasing channel capacity and reducing weight and volume while maintaining performance, particularly with the addition of multiple RF chains which lead to increased power amplifiers, filters, and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
The antenna apparatus incorporates an additional antenna sub-array branched from each RF chain, with a phase shifter that shifts phase values to achieve a linear phase distribution, allowing for improved beamforming and reduced size and weight through optimized power feeding and transmission line configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of RF chains is doubled to increase channel capacity, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the weight and volume are suddenly increased due to increased power amplifiers and filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna sub-arrays into a single RF chain structure, where one RF chain serves multiple antenna sub-arrays through shared power amplifiers and filters. This merging approach allows the system to achieve the channel capacity of multiple RF chains while using fewer physical RF chain components, thereby reducing the overall weight of the antenna apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal RF chain structure where a single RF chain can serve multiple antenna sub-arrays. The power amplifiers and filters are designed to handle multiple signal paths simultaneously, allowing one RF chain to perform the function of multiple RF chains. This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain high channel capacity without proportionally increasing the number of RF chain components.
2Productivity
If the number of RF chains is doubled to increase channel capacity, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the volume is suddenly increased due to increased power amplifiers and filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna sub-arrays under a single RF chain infrastructure, combining what would traditionally require separate RF chains. By sharing power amplifiers, filters, and other RF components across multiple antenna sub-arrays, the system achieves the volume efficiency of fewer RF chains while maintaining the channel capacity benefits of multiple antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges antenna sub-arrays in a three-dimensional configuration where multiple sub-arrays are spatially distributed but electrically connected through a shared RF chain. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to achieve high channel capacity through spatial multiplexing without requiring proportional increases in RF chain volume, as the RF components are shared across multiple spatial dimensions.
3Productivity
If the number of RF chains is doubled to increase channel capacity, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the heat generation is increased due to increased power amplifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna sub-arrays into a single RF chain structure, reducing the total number of power amplifiers from what would be required for multiple RF chains. Since power amplifiers are among the primary heat-generating components, this merging approach directly reduces heat generation while maintaining the channel capacity through efficient signal processing in the combined structure.
4Productivity
If additional antenna sub-arrays are added to increase channel capacity, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent antenna sub-arrays that can be individually configured and controlled, while sharing common RF chain infrastructure. This segmentation allows for modular design where each sub-array can be optimized independently, but the shared RF components reduce overall system complexity compared to having separate RF chains for each sub-array.
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
This configuration enhances beamforming gain by +3 dB compared to conventional systems, reduces insertion loss, and minimizes weight and volume, while maintaining performance equivalent to higher-specification antenna systems with more RF chains.
Implementation Method 1
a phase shifter configured to shift a phase value by changing the ratio of the lengths of physical transmission lines for the plurality of antenna sub-arrays at a predetermined ratio
Implementation Method 2
performing beam radiation by shifting the phase values of the antenna sub-arrays and the additional antenna sub-array
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an antenna apparatus. In particular, the antenna apparatus comprises: a radiating element module including a plurality of antenna sub-arrays electrically connected to the front of an RF filter and arranged to implement antenna beamforming by building a predetermined number of RF chains; and a phase shifter which shifts a phase value by changing the length ratio of a physical transmission line to the plurality of antenna sub-arrays to a predetermined ratio, wherein each RF chain of the radiating element module is implemented such that the antenna sub-array is connected to one output terminal of two output terminals branching off from an input terminal of each RF chain and an additional antenna sub-array corresponding to the antenna sub-array is further arranged to be connected to the other output terminal. Accordingly, a beam with a narrow beam width and a high antenna gain may be radiated, thus providing advantages in production cost and process.