Wireless Beamforming Circuit With IF Phase Control and Low Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless devices face challenges in suppressing signal losses while maintaining a compact circuit size and reducing power consumption during beamforming, particularly in high-frequency applications like millimeter wave bands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless signal processing circuit with plural phase switchers, variable amplifiers, and mixers that distribute in-phase and quadrature signals at lower frequencies, utilizing phase and amplitude control to form transmission beams, and incorporating lumped element circuits for phase control sections to minimize signal losses and circuit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full-digital array is used for beamforming, then beamforming accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines digital signal processing with analog beamforming techniques by using a hybrid architecture where digital processors control phase shifters and amplifiers that operate in the analog domain, thereby achieving high beamforming accuracy while reducing the power consumption associated with fully digital implementations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the transmission signal from digital to analog domain at an intermediate frequency stage, changing the operational parameters of subsequent processing stages to analog which reduces power consumption while maintaining beamforming precision through controlled phase and amplitude modulation
2Area of stationary object
If an analog full-connection system is used for beamforming, then circuit size is reduced, but signal losses increase due to numerous signal lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function into distinct stages: digital signal generation, analog conversion at intermediate frequency, and analog beamforming. This segmentation allows the use of fewer analog signal lines compared to full-connection systems while maintaining compact circuit size and reducing signal losses through controlled transitions between domains
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate frequency conversion stage as a mediator between digital and analog domains. This intermediary approach allows signal distribution to be performed at lower frequencies where signal losses are reduced, while still achieving the desired beamforming functionality with a compact circuit architecture
3Measurement precision
If high-frequency bands are used for beamforming, then transmission accuracy is improved, but signal losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary signal processing and phase control at an intermediate frequency stage before final high-frequency transmission. By preparing the signal characteristics (phase, amplitude, direction) at a lower frequency where losses are minimal, the system achieves high transmission accuracy at the destination while minimizing signal losses during the processing stages
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 approach reduces signal losses and circuit size by distributing signals at lower frequencies and using compact lumped element circuits, thereby enhancing beamforming efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plural phase switchers switches a phase rotation amount of the one of the in-phase signal and the quadrature signal that is distributed along the corresponding path selectively in accordance with a transmission direction of the transmission signal, and the phase switcher rotates the phase of the signal
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plural variable amplifiers alters an amplitude of an input signal or output signal of the corresponding phase switcher in accordance with the transmission direction of the transmission signal
Implementation Method 3
Each of the plural mixers up-converts a frequency of the signal processed by the corresponding phase switcher and variable amplifier
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless signal processing circuit includes plural phase switchers, plural variable amplifiers and plural mixers. The plural phase switchers are provided on each of plural paths along which an in-phase signal and a quadrature signal are distributed. The plural phase switchers rotate the phases of the signals by signal phase rotation amounts according to a transmission direction of a transmission signal. The plural variable amplifiers alter amplitudes of input signals or output signals of the corresponding phase switchers in accordance with the transmission direction of the transmission signal. The plural mixers up-convert frequencies of the signals processed by the corresponding phase switchers and variable amplifiers.