Coherent Signal Processing for Multi-Phased Array Antennas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for processing signals using multiple phased array antennas rely on non-coherent methods, resulting in poor directional accuracy and reduced Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) compared to coherent processing, which limits the effectiveness of signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for coherent processing of signals across multiple phased array antennas, adjusting phases to compensate for spatial dispositions and angular frequencies, enabling constructive interference and improved SNR and directional resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-coherent methods are used for processing signals from multiple phased arrays, then device complexity is reduced, but directional accuracy and Signal-to-Noise Ratio deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing into two distinct stages: first, independent beamforming is performed on each phased array to generate intermediate beamformed signals; second, these intermediate signals are coherently combined by adjusting phases based on spatial dispositions and angular frequencies. This segmentation allows complexity management while achieving coherent processing results, resolving the contradiction between reduced complexity and maintained directional accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate beamformed signals as a mediator between the raw array signals and the final coherent combination. Each phased array independently processes its signals through beamforming to create intermediate representations, which are then coherently integrated. This intermediary step enables manageable complexity at each stage while preserving the phase information necessary for high directional accuracy in the final combination.
2Ease of operation
If non-coherent methods are used for processing signals from multiple phased arrays, then processing simplicity is improved, but Signal-to-Noise Ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processing is segmented into independent beamforming stages for each array followed by a coherent combination stage. This segmentation maintains processing simplicity at each individual stage while ensuring that phase information is preserved and properly utilized in the final coherent integration, thereby achieving high SNR without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary beamforming action to each phased array before the coherent combination step. By pre-processing the signals through beamforming, the system simplifies the subsequent combination operation while ensuring that signals are properly conditioned for coherent integration, thus maintaining both processing simplicity and high SNR.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phased arrays with different element spacings and orientations are used, then adaptability is improved, but coherent processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing independent beamforming for each phased array according to its specific configuration (element spacing, orientation, and geometry). Each array's beamforming parameters are locally optimized for its particular characteristics, while the subsequent coherent combination uses phase adjustments based on spatial dispositions to integrate these locally-optimized signals, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting phase parameters based on the spatial dispositions and angular frequencies of different array configurations. This allows the system to adapt to various array geometries and orientations through parameter modification rather than structural changes, maintaining coherent processing capability across diverse configurations without excessive complexity.
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 coherent processing technique enhances SNR and directional accuracy, allowing for improved detection of signal directions and transmission with reduced ambiguity, even with arrays having different element spacings and orientations, effectively utilizing multiple phased arrays as a larger, single array.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting phases to compensate for spatial dispositions and angular frequencies, enabling constructive interference
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for utilizing two or more phased arrays to coherently receive and/or transmit waveforms to one or more directions. The method includes applying a first and a second coherent processing to two or more sets of signal portions received or transmitted by corresponding two or more phased arrays. In reception mode, the first coherent processing includes converting the sets of signal portions received into corresponding sets of directional signals, by applying coherent integrations to each set signals portions such that each of the resulting directional signals being indicative of the angular frequencies, amplitudes and phases of the received waveforms. In reception mode, the second coherent processing includes adjusting phases of respectively the sets of the directional signals according to spatial dispositions between their respective phased arrays and the angular frequencies of the directional signals, thereby generating a coherent set of directional signals.