Circular Coupled VCO Array for Extended Beamforming Phase Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupled Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arrays used in Local Oscillator (LO) signal generation for beamforming are limited by injection locking, which restricts differential phase shift generation beyond a certain level, making phase differences indeterminable and limiting beamforming capability.
Innovation Solution
A circular configuration of the coupled VCO array is employed, where individual VCOs are coupled in a closed loop to increase phase differences through varying voltage levels, and their outputs are mixed with antenna signals to introduce differential phase shifts, enhancing beamforming capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual VCOs are coupled in a linear configuration with external reference signal injection, then the VCO array can generate differential phase shifts, but the injection locking breaks down beyond a certain phase difference level, making phase differences indeterminable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the curvature principle by transitioning from a linear VCO array configuration to a circular configuration. In the circular arrangement, VCOs are coupled in a closed loop where each VCO is injection-locked to its two nearest neighbors. This circular topology enables the system to maintain injection locking across the entire phase range of 0 to 2π radians, eliminating the phase difference limitations inherent in linear configurations. The curved/circular geometry allows continuous phase progression around the loop, enabling full 360-degree beamforming coverage while maintaining reliable phase determinability throughout the entire range.
2Measurement precision
If external reference signal injection is used to control operating frequency, then VCOs can be synchronized, but injection locking limits the differential phase shift generation to a certain level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dimensionality change by organizing VCOs in a circular spatial arrangement rather than a linear one. This topological transformation from 1D linear to 2D circular configuration adds a dimensional aspect that enables the system to achieve both precise phase measurement and extended phase shift range. The circular layout creates multiple injection locking pathways around the loop, allowing the system to maintain synchronization precision while accommodating phase differences up to 2π radians through the closed-loop structure.
3Device complexity
If a linear VCO array configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the phase difference between VCOs is limited and beamforming capability is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the curvature principle by transitioning from a linear VCO array configuration to a circular configuration. In the circular arrangement, VCOs are coupled in a closed loop where each VCO is injection-locked to its two nearest neighbors. This circular topology enables the system to maintain injection locking across the entire phase range of 0 to 2π radians, eliminating the phase difference limitations inherent in linear configurations. The curved/circular geometry allows continuous phase progression around the loop, enabling full 360-degree beamforming coverage while maintaining reliable phase determinability throughout the entire range.
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
The circular configuration increases the range of usable phase differences, improving beamforming performance, power efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility by allowing greater phase separation and mutual injection locking, thereby extending the beamforming capability beyond the limitations of linear configurations.
Implementation Method 1
separating phase of LO signals generated by individual VCOs of a coupled VCO array through varying voltage levels of voltage control inputs thereto
Implementation Method 2
Injection locking between the individual VCOs that are part of the coupled VCO array and between the VCOs and the external reference signal
Implementation Method 3
mixing outputs of the individual VCOs of the circular coupled VCO array with signals from antenna elements of an antenna array to introduce differential phase shifts in signal paths
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes separating phase of Local Oscillator (LO) signals generated by individual Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) of a coupled VCO array through varying voltage levels of voltage control inputs thereto. The method also includes coupling the individual VCOs of the coupled VCO array to one another in a closed, circular configuration to increase phase difference between the phase separated LO signals generated by the individual VCOs compared to a linear configuration of the coupled VCO array. Further, the method includes mixing outputs of the individual VCOs of the circular coupled VCO array with signals from antenna elements of an antenna array to introduce differential phase shifts in signal paths coupled to the antenna elements during performing beamforming with the antenna array.