Digital RF Array Antenna Module Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing array antenna systems for radar and radio communication devices are complex and costly due to the need for numerous antenna elements, microwave transceiver modules, and specific circuits for phased array operations, making downsizing and cost reduction difficult.
Innovation Solution
The array antenna apparatus features a digital RF circuit with micro wave transceiver modules that have all signal interfaces except the power supply as digital interfaces, configured as one chip on a semiconductor, including a waveform generator, clock generator, digital-analog converters, and power amplifiers, enabling efficient signal processing and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a phased array configuration is used to achieve high function and high performance in radar and radio communication devices, then the antenna system can provide advanced beam forming and signal processing capabilities, but the apparatus configuration becomes complicated at large scale due to the need for numerous antenna elements, micro wave transceiver modules, power supplies, and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (antenna element, microwave transceiver module, power supply, and control circuit) into a single integrated antenna element unit. This merging reduces the overall apparatus configuration complexity by eliminating the need for separate connections and mounting of individual components, while preserving the phased array's beam forming capabilities through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna element unit is designed as a universal module that can serve multiple functions: it acts as both the radiating element and houses the transceiver module, power supply, and control circuitry. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of discrete components needed in the system, thereby simplifying the overall configuration while maintaining phased array functionality.
2Reliability
If specific circuits such as microwave signal distributing/synthesizing circuits are connected to each microwave transceiver module to execute pattern synthesis, then the phased array can achieve proper beam forming, but downsizing and reduction in manufacturing costs become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The signal distributing and synthesizing functions are integrated into the antenna element unit itself, eliminating the need for separate external circuits for each transceiver module. This integration reduces the overall system size and simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of discrete components and interconnections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the microwave signal distributing and synthesizing circuits are contained within the antenna element unit, which in turn contains the transceiver module and power supply. This nesting approach allows for compact packaging and reduces the overall system footprint while maintaining all necessary functions for pattern synthesis.
3Productivity
If a large number of microwave transceiver modules and control circuits are used to implement phased array operations, then the system can achieve high performance signal processing, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functions into a single antenna element unit, the patent reduces the total component count required for the system. This integration leads to lower manufacturing costs by reducing assembly complexity, minimizing the number of separate parts that need to be produced and assembled, and simplifying the supply chain requirements.
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 results in a compact, cost-effective, and highly functional active phased array antenna system capable of electronic beam scanning and efficient transmission and reception of high-frequency signals, suitable for various radio wave communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission power amplifier configured to execute power amplification for the transmission signal frequency-converted in the mixer and transmit the transmission signal to the antenna element
Implementation Method 2
a reception power amplifier configured to execute low heat noise amplification for the reception micro wave signal input from the antenna element
Implementation Method 3
a digital signal-analog signal (DA) converter configured to convert the digital transmission signal generated in the waveform generator into an analog signal
Implementation Method 4
an analog signal-digital signal (AD) converter configured to convert the analog signal of the reception intermediate frequency signal generated in the reception signal mixer, into a digital signal
Implementation Method 5
a transmission signal mixer configured to mix the higher frequency reference local signal generated in the clock generator with the analog transmission signal generated in the DA converter and generate a micro wave transmission signal
Implementation Method 6
a reception signal mixer configured to mix the reference local signal generated in the clock generator with the micro wave reception signal output from the reception power amplifier, and generate a reception intermediate frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
In a transceiver module, a micro wave analog signal interface is provided between the transceiver module and an antenna element, and all the signal interfaces except a power supply are digital signal interfaces, and the interfaces are configured as one chip on a semiconductor. An internal reference signal generates a local signal serving as a reference by multiplying a high frequency digital clock signal supplied from the outside, and simultaneously generates a reference signal capable of synchronous operation by a lower frequency digital clock signal supplied from the outside, in the clock generator. The frequency of the generated reference local signal can be varied by controlling the inner multiplication number or the frequency of the higher frequency digital clock signal supplied from the outside. In addition, both transmission and reception can be executed with an arbitrary frequency by varying the frequency of the transmission waveform generator.