Bidirectional Signaling Network for Active Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active antenna arrays face challenges with high loss and cost due to the use of corporate feeds and programmable phase shifters, and software-configured digital systems are expensive and limited in performance and scalability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of bidirectional signaling networks with Tunable Amplitude and Phase ATAC (TAPA) circuits that provide amplitude and phase control at every antenna element, allowing for independent control of signal settings and reducing the need for complex signal distribution networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If corporate feed and programmable phase shifters are used in active antenna arrays, then radiation patterns can be controlled, but signal loss increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the corporate feed network from the antenna array system. Instead of using a traditional corporate feed with multiple splitters and combiners, the invention directly connects each antenna element to the signal source through individual transmission lines, eliminating the signal loss associated with the feed network while maintaining radiation pattern control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each antenna element independently controllable for both transmission and reception operations. By providing independent phase and amplitude control for each element, the system can dynamically reconfigure radiation patterns for different applications without requiring separate dedicated networks for transmit and receive modes
2Ease of operation
If corporate feed and programmable phase shifters are used in active antenna arrays, then radiation patterns can be controlled, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive corporate feed network and high-performance programmable phase shifters from the system. By using simpler direct connection transmission lines and less complex phase control circuits, the invention significantly reduces component costs while maintaining the essential radiation pattern control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-critical components with more economical alternatives. Instead of using costly corporate feed networks with tight tolerance requirements and high-performance programmable phase shifters, the invention uses standard transmission lines and simpler phase control circuits that are easier and cheaper to manufacture
3Adaptability or versatility
If software-configured digital systems are used, then flexibility is improved, but system cost increases and performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves flexibility by enabling independent phase and amplitude parameter control for each antenna element through analog circuits. This allows dynamic reconfiguration of radiation patterns and beam steering without requiring software processing, digital signal converters, or complex digital signal processing systems, thereby reducing cost while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A transmitter system including: a bidirectional signaling (BDS) network having first and second networks for carrying first and second carrier signals, and having a set of n phase synchronous location pairs (ai, bi),; and also including tunable transmitter circuits for driving an antenna array, each tunable transmitter circuit having an output line for carrying an output signal and first and second input lines electrically connected to the first and second networks of the BDS network at locations of a corresponding one of the set of phase synchronous location pairs, and including a multiplier having a first input electrically connected to the first input line of that tunable transmitter circuit; a phase setting circuit electrically connected to the multiplier for controlling the phase of the output signal of that tunable transmitter circuit; and an amplitude setting circuit for controlling the amplitude of the output signal of that tunable transmitter circuit.