Chip-to-Chip Time Synchronization for Daisy-Chained Phased Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array antennas face challenges in maintaining high signal quality, bandwidth, and reducing signal degradation while minimizing size, weight, and power requirements, especially when the location of the signal source or target is unknown and physical reorientation is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A daisy chain configuration of integrated circuit (IC) chips is used to distribute timing signals and reference clock signals, allowing each chip to generate synchronized reference time signals, enabling precise synchronization and operation of phased array antennas without physical repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phased array antennas use multiple antenna elements to achieve beamforming capability, then signal quality and directional transmission are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phased array antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements that can be individually controlled. Each element is a separate component that contributes to the overall beamforming capability, allowing the system to achieve high signal quality through coordinated operation of segmented parts rather than a single complex antenna structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the antenna elements and associated circuitry to perform multiple functions: transmitting signals, receiving signals, and enabling beamforming operations. The same hardware infrastructure supports both transmission and reception modes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability through multi-functional components
2Reliability
If phased array antennas are configured to maintain high main lobe power to side lobe power ratio, then signal quality is improved, but bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming capabilities that allow the antenna system to adaptively adjust its radiation pattern in real-time. By dynamically controlling the phase and amplitude of signals across multiple elements, the system can maintain high main lobe power to side lobe power ratios across different operating frequencies, thereby preserving both signal quality and bandwidth through adaptive optimization rather than fixed configuration
3Volume of moving object
If phased array antennas and associated circuitry are miniaturized to reduce size and weight, then portability is improved, but signal degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into nested structures where smaller elements are housed within larger assemblies. The antenna elements, feeding networks, and control circuitry are arranged in compact nested configurations that minimize overall size and weight while maintaining the electrical performance and signal quality required for effective phased array operation
4Use of energy by moving object
If phased array antennas operate with reduced power requirements, then energy efficiency is improved, but signal strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter optimization techniques that adjust operating parameters such as impedance matching, quality factor, and resonance frequencies to maximize signal strength at minimal power consumption levels. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system achieves optimal power efficiency while maintaining sufficient signal strength for reliable communication, resolving the trade-off between power requirements and signal strength
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an apparatus includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip configured to receive a timing signal and a first reference clock signal and generate a first reference time signal based on the timing signal and the first reference clock signal. The IC chip is configured to generate a second reference time signal based on the first reference time signal and a second reference clock signal, different from the first reference clock signal The second reference time signal specifies a count of a number of cycles of the second reference clock signal starting from a particular cycle of the second reference clock signal. The IC chip is configured to synchronize one or more actions performed by the IC chip based on one or more of the first reference time signal or the second reference time signal.