Decentralized Signal Redistributor Array for Scalable Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mm-wave communication systems face challenges with centralized beamforming architectures that suffer from aperture scaling limitations, signal routing density issues, and intersymbol interference, particularly at higher element numbers and aperture sizes, which hinder effective data communication.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized redistributor array with independently operating channels, each equipped with an RF chain for time delay and phase shift, allows for decentralized beamforming and signal redirection without a shared reference oscillator, enabling dynamic and scalable signal redistribution across multiple layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized beamforming architectures are used, then signal routing and control is simplified, but aperture scaling limitations and signal routing density issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized beamforming architecture into multiple decentralized redistributor units, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to scale aperture size by adding more units without the routing density problems that constrain centralized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple layers of redistributors arranged in a three-dimensional configuration, transitioning from a two-dimensional planar array to a volumetric structure. This dimensional change enables scalable aperture synthesis while maintaining manageable signal routing within each layer.
2Reliability
If larger antenna arrays are used, then beamforming gains and spatial multiplexing improve, but aperture scaling limitations and intersymbol interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The large antenna array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, each served by a separate redistributor unit. This segmentation maintains link reliability through localized beamforming while enabling overall aperture scaling by combining multiple sub-arrays in a distributed fashion.
Solution Approach 2:
The redistributor units act as intermediary components between the antenna elements and the central control system. Each redistributor performs local signal processing and routing, reducing intersymbol interference by preventing signal congestion in centralized routing paths while enabling scalable aperture configurations.
3Reliability
If dedicated RF chains are provided for each antenna element, then beamforming performance is optimized, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements are grouped and served by shared RF chains through the redistributor architecture. This merging reduces the total number of RF chains required compared to dedicated per-element configuration, lowering power consumption and cost while maintaining beamforming performance through coordinated signal processing at the redistributor level.
Data Source
AI summary
Scalable decentralized redistributors and methods of redistributing signals in accordance with various embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes an array of channels configured to receive and retransmit a signal, where each of a plurality of independently operating channels in the array includes: at least one antenna element; an RF chain configured to apply a time delay to the received signal prior to retransmission; control circuitry configured to control the time delay applied to the received signal by the RF chain; and a reference oscillator. In addition, the array of channels is configured to steer a signal of a first frequency in a first direction and steer a signal of a second frequency in a second direction different from the first direction to create a dual beam redistributor.