Configurable Beam Former IC for Multi-Beam Polarization Synthesis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional analog beam formers (ABFs) are large, expensive, consume high direct current (DC) power, and have high noise levels due to the need for multiple beams and polarizations, making them unsuitable for widespread use in sensing and communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A configurable integrated circuit for beamforming with a combiner and amplifier circuit that supports multiple beams, polarizations, and frequency bands, allowing for arbitrary polarization synthesis, dynamic gain, and reduced power consumption, enabling operation in various modes such as satcom and radar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional analog beam formers are designed for multiple beams and polarizations using multiple integrated circuits and passive polarizers, then beamforming functionality is achieved, but device size, cost, and DC power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeamforming functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple beamforming functions (multiple beams, multiple polarizations) into a single integrated circuit package. The active beam former integrates what previously required multiple separate IC packages, passive polarizers, and RF splitters into one unified device, directly reducing overall device size and component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple beamforming functions simultaneously - supporting multiple beams and multiple polarizations within a single device. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional analog beam formers use multiple integrated circuits packages and RF splitters for multiple beams, then multiple beam capability is achieved, but cost and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple beam capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple beamforming operations into a single integrated circuit, eliminating the need for multiple separate IC packages and external RF splitters. This consolidation reduces component count, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining multiple beam capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional analog beam formers use passive polarizers for polarization control, then polarization capability is achieved, but DC power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization capabilityVSAvoidDC power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive mechanical polarizer components with active electronic polarization control implemented in integrated circuit form. This substitution eliminates the need for physical polarizer switching mechanisms and reduces power consumption by using electronic signal processing instead of mechanical or passive electromagnetic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If conventional analog beam formers are designed for specific platforms and applications, then specialized performance is achieved, but adaptability to other platforms is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecialized performanceVSAvoidplatform compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit employs a universal design architecture that can be configured for different beamforming applications and platforms. The device maintains specialized performance through programmable or configurable parameters while being adaptable to various systems, eliminating the need for completely different designs for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11199616B1Configurable beam former integrated circuit and method

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods relate to a configurable integrated circuit for beamforming. The integrated circuit includes a first beam transmit input, a first beam receive output, a second beam transmit input, a second beam receive output, a first antenna terminal, a second antenna terminal, a first switched combiner, and a second switched combiner. The first switched combiner includes a first combiner input/output coupled to the first antenna terminal, a first combiner output coupled to a first output path having a first branch coupled to the first beam output and a second branch coupled to the second beam output, and a first combiner input coupled a first input path having a third branch coupled to the first beam input and a fourth branch coupled to the second beam input.