Beamforming Matrix Transformation for Mutual Coupling in Antenna Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beamforming solutions in communication systems do not adequately account for the mutual coupling effect between antenna elements, leading to suboptimal beamforming gains in densely deployed antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method that determine a transformation matrix T based on a coupling matrix C, which includes coupling coefficients between antenna elements, to maximize beamforming gain by accounting for both spatial relationships and mutual coupling effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If antenna elements are densely deployed in the antenna aperture to approximate a continuous holographic surface, then the beamforming gain is improved, but the mutual coupling effect between antenna elements increases and is not adequately accounted for in conventional beamforming solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful mutual coupling effect between densely deployed antenna elements into a beneficial factor for beamforming. By determining a transformation matrix based on a coupling matrix that characterizes mutual coupling coefficients, the system exploits the coupling effects to achieve higher beamforming gains. The coupling matrix C is integrated into the beamforming design, transforming what was previously a detrimental interference into a useful resource for signal enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beamforming matrix by introducing a transformation matrix T that is derived from the coupling matrix C. The second beamforming matrix f2 is obtained by multiplying the transformation matrix T with the first beamforming matrix f1 (f2 = T × f1). This parameter transformation accounts for mutual coupling effects and optimizes the beamforming weights to maximize beamforming gain in densely deployed antenna arrays.
2Device complexity
If conventional beamforming matrices are used without accounting for mutual coupling, then the device complexity is reduced, but the beamforming gain is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the coupling matrix C and transformation matrix T based on the antenna aperture geometry, antenna element positions, and radiation power patterns. These matrices are determined in advance and can be pre-computed offline, then applied during beamforming operations. This preliminary action separates the complex coupling characterization from the real-time beamforming computation, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving optimal performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device may be used in a communication system. The communication device includes a set of antenna elements arranged in an antenna aperture. The communication device determines a transformation matrix T based on a coupling matrix C, which includes coupling coefficients between each antenna element in the set of antenna elements. By multiplying the transformation matrix T with a first beamforming matrix f1 a second beamforming matrix f2 is obtained. Based on the second beamforming matrix f2 the communication device transmits a communication signal x via the set of antenna elements in a wireless channel.