Cylindrical Array Antenna Beam Steering for Terahertz Shadowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current terahertz wave communication systems face challenges in achieving high output and sensitivity at medium or long distances due to narrow beamwidth, leading to shadowing issues and inefficient antenna design.
Innovation Solution
A high-frequency array antenna system is developed, comprising multiple single antennas arranged in cylindrical or spherical shapes, each capable of variable beam steering, with beamforming control units to steer beams in all directions, addressing shadowing problems and optimizing beam coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single beamforming antenna is used for terahertz wave communication, then high-gain long-distance transmission is achieved, but shadowing problems occur due to narrow beamwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single beamforming antenna into multiple single antennas arranged in an array. Each antenna generates an individual beam, and through coordinated control of multiple beams, the system achieves both high transmission gain and reduced shadowing effects. The segmentation allows multiple beam directions to cover different spatial regions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple individual beams from separate single antennas into a coordinated multi-beam system. By merging the coverage areas of multiple narrow beams, the system achieves wide-area coverage while maintaining the high gain characteristics of individual beams, thus resolving the shadowing problem.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple single antennas are arranged in an array for omnidirectional beam steering, then shadowing problems are solved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each single antenna in the array with identical structural configuration and beamforming capability. Each antenna can independently generate beams in different directions, providing multi-functional coverage. This universality simplifies the overall system design compared to using different types of antennas for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical beam steering mechanisms with electronic phase control. By using phase shifters and signal processing to control beam directions electronically, the system achieves omnidirectional coverage without mechanical moving parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If beamforming control is applied to each single antenna, then beam steering precision is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic beam direction calculation and phase control. The system autonomously determines optimal beam directions based on communication node positions and automatically adjusts phase shifters accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining high steering precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors communication quality and beam positions, then automatically adjusts phase control parameters to optimize beam steering. This feedback loop maintains high precision while simplifying control by using automated closed-loop regulation rather than complex open-loop control systems.
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 array antenna system effectively covers all surrounding areas, regardless of mounting height, and adjusts beam density according to communication node distribution, enhancing communication resource efficiency and overcoming shadowing issues.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of beamforming control units connected to each of the plurality of single antennas may be configured to steer a beam by controlling a phase of the beam formed and radiated by the beam emitter
Data Source
AI summary
An array antenna capable of steering a beam in a first communication node of a wireless communication system may comprise: a plurality of single antennas each capable of variably adjusting a beam steering direction; a plurality of beamforming control units each of which is connected to each of the plurality of single antennas to control a beamforming operation of each of the plurality of single antennas; and an array antenna control unit connected to the plurality of beamforming control units to control a beamforming operation of the entire array antenna, wherein the plurality of single antennas are arranged in a cylindrical shape and are installed to face a direction opposite to a central direction of the cylinder shape, and the array antenna is configured to steer a beam to a predetermined area around the first communication node through at least one single antenna among the plurality of single antennas.