Multi-Stage Crossbar Switch Matrix for Non-Blocking Beam Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Blocking switch matrices restrict the dynamic routing of arbitrary input sets to outputs, limiting their functionality in applications like radar and telecommunications systems.

Innovation Solution

A crossbar switch matrix design with multiple crossbar switches, each having four ports and switching elements, allowing dynamic routing by configuring switching elements to couple inputs and outputs in various states, reducing the number of switching elements and improving insertion loss and non-linear response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a blocking switch matrix is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is limited because only statically configured inputs can be routed simultaneously to outputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidswitching element count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch matrix is divided into multiple stages (first stage, second stage, third stage) with crossbar switches and interposer switches. Each stage processes routing independently, allowing dynamic configuration without requiring a complete reconfiguration of the entire matrix. This segmentation enables flexible routing of arbitrary input sets to outputs while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a multi-stage architecture that adds a temporal dimension to routing. Instead of static simultaneous routing in a single plane, signals progress through multiple stages over time, with each stage providing routing options. This dimensional expansion allows arbitrary input sets to be dynamically routed to outputs without the constraints of traditional blocking matrices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more switching elements are added to enable arbitrary routing, then the adaptability improves, but the insertion loss increases due to more signal paths through switching elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting capabilityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switch matrix employs dynamic routing where the path selection is determined by control logic based on current routing requirements. Not all switching elements are activated simultaneously; instead, only the necessary switching elements in the active signal paths are enabled. This dynamic operation reduces the effective number of switching elements in the signal path, thereby reducing cumulative insertion loss while maintaining full routing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a non-blocking design is implemented, then the productivity is improved through dynamic routing, but the device complexity increases with additional switching elements and control logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting efficiencyVSAvoidswitch matrix structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control logic is segmented and distributed across multiple stages rather than centralized. Each stage has its own control logic that works independently to route signals through that stage. This distributed control reduces the complexity of any single control unit while enabling efficient dynamic routing across the entire matrix, improving productivity without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If multiple crossbar switches are used to reduce switching element count, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper coupling between switches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching element countVSAvoidcoupling alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Interposer switches are introduced as intermediary components between crossbar switches. These interposers serve as buffer and alignment elements that facilitate proper coupling between crossbar switches. By introducing this intermediary layer, the manufacturing precision requirements for direct crossbar switch coupling are reduced, as the interposers provide tolerance for alignment variations while maintaining proper signal coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11050680B2Non-blocking switch matrix for multi-beam antenna

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A crossbar switch is disclosed having a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port, the crossbar switch comprising: a first switching element coupled between the first port and the third port; a second switching element coupled between the first port and the fourth port; a third switching element coupled between the second port and the third port; and a fourth switching element coupled between the second port and the fourth port, wherein the first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element, and the fourth switching element are configured to couple only one of the first port and the second port to the third port, at any given time.