Distributed Receiver T/R Modules Digital Signal Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active antenna arrays face challenges with high cost due to numerous T/R modules, insertion losses, phase and amplitude matching difficulties, and noise-floor degradation when processing combined RF signals, which hinder efficient tracking of multiple targets.
Innovation Solution
A distributed receiver system with T/R modules that phase-shift RF signals, utilize a frequency source for down-conversion, and digitally combine signals to avoid microwave transmission network issues, using a direct down-conversion architecture to reduce noise and impedance matching complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If received RF signals are combined in a microwave transmission network, then signal aggregation is achieved, but noise-floor degradation and insertion losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function by distributing individual down-conversion operations to each T/R module rather than combining RF signals centrally. This segmentation eliminates the need for microwave transmission networks and associated insertion losses while maintaining signal aggregation capability through digital combining at baseband/IF stage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces baseband/IF signals as an intermediary stage between RF reception and digital processing. By down-converting RF signals to baseband/IF at each T/R module before combination, the system avoids direct RF combining in microwave networks, thereby eliminating insertion losses and noise-floor degradation
2Reliability
If T/R modules are used in active antenna arrays, then transmit efficiency and low noise-figure are improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each T/R module multi-functional by integrating both down-conversion and beam-forming capabilities within the same module. This universality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated modules for each function, while maintaining the reliability benefits of T/R module architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the down-conversion function with the beam-forming T/R module functionality. By combining these functions in a unified architecture where T/R modules perform both RF-to-baseband/IF conversion and phase/shifting operations, the system reduces component count and interconnection complexity while preserving transmit efficiency
3Ease of operation
If microwave plumbing is used to supply RF signals to T/R modules, then signal distribution is achieved, but insertion losses and impedance matching difficulties occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical microwave plumbing system with an electrical/digital signal distribution approach. By distributing baseband/IF signals and control data electronically to each T/R module rather than using microwave transmission lines, the system eliminates insertion losses and impedance matching issues associated with microwave plumbing
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 approach reduces noise-floor degradation, eliminates insertion losses, and enhances the ability to track multiple targets by digitally combining down-converted signals from T/R modules, improving the efficiency and flexibility of active antenna arrays.
Implementation Method 1
each T/R module is configured to direct down-convert its phase-shifted received RF signal responsive to the frequency reference signal
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed receiver in signal communication with an active antenna array is described. The distributed receiver may include an exciter, a plurality of transmit/receive (“T/R”) modules, and a frequency source operable to provide a frequency reference signal to the T/R modules.