Dielectric Lens Feeder Array for Uniform RF Gain Across Scan Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Lens-Enhanced Phase-Array (LEPA) RF receivers face challenges with lower power reception due to non-uniform power distribution and discretized scanning, which limits their effectiveness in 4G and 5G communication devices, particularly in terms of size and processing time.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a lens-based enhancement of RF signals using a combination of a first lens with a defined shape and a feeder array of antenna elements, allowing for continuous scanning and equalized power distribution across the feeder array, thereby improving power gain without increasing the array's size or number of elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the area of the phased array antenna panel is increased to increase received power, then the received power is improved, but the size of the receiver increases making it impractical for thin form factor devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a lens with a phased array antenna panel to create a lens-enhanced phased array (LEPA) configuration. The lens focuses incident RF signals onto the antenna elements, merging the focusing function with the antenna array to achieve higher received power without increasing the physical area of the receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing a lens with specific focal length and aperture. This parameter change enables the system to concentrate RF energy more effectively, improving received power while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for mobile devices.
2Measurement precision
If phase-array elements are separated by distance equal to focal length of lens for proper focusing, then signal focusing is improved, but every element requires discrete scanning increasing measurement and processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous electronic scanning of the phased array elements instead of discrete mechanical scanning. The phase shifters enable continuous adjustment of the beam direction across all elements simultaneously, eliminating the time-consuming discrete scanning process while maintaining precise signal focusing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning with electronic beam steering using phase shifters. This substitution eliminates moving parts and discrete scanning steps, enabling continuous and rapid scanning of all phase-array elements without increasing measurement and processing time.
3Device complexity
If non-uniform power distribution is used in LEPA configuration to simplify design, then design complexity is reduced, but power reception becomes inadequate for reliable communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-uniform amplitude weighting to different regions of the phased array elements based on their position and the lens focus characteristics. This local quality adjustment compensates for the non-uniform power distribution, ensuring adequate power reception across all elements while maintaining a relatively simple design without requiring complex additional components.
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
This configuration enables robust millimeter wave communication with a thinner form factor, facilitating efficient power distribution and reduced scanning time, supporting 4G and 5G standards while mitigating design constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens with a defined shape and a feeder array of a plurality of antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a first lens, a feeder array, and control circuitry communicatively coupled to the feeder array. The first lens is associated with a defined shape, which further exhibits a defined distribution of dielectric constant. The feeder array includes a plurality of antenna elements that are positioned in proximity to the first lens. The control circuitry equalizes a distribution of a gain from the received first lens-guided beam of input RF signals across the feeder array and different scan directions of the plurality of antenna elements. The equalized distribution of gain is based on the defined distribution of dielectric constant within the first lens and the proximity of the feeder array to the first lens.