Dual-Path Phase Amplitude Control for Compact Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase amplitude controllers (PACs) in antenna arrays for wireless communication systems are bulky, heavy, and costly due to their complex design and large number of components, making them difficult to integrate into compact spaces and increasing the weight and cost of antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
A phase amplitude controller is designed by splitting a signal into two paths, each with an independently controlled phase adjusting circuit, allowing for adjustment of both phase and amplitude of the combined signal. This design reduces the number of components, minimizing space and weight requirements while maintaining effective signal control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional phase amplitude controllers are used in antenna arrays, then phase and amplitude control functions are achieved, but the device complexity, space requirements, and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines phase control and amplitude control functions into a single integrated circuit by merging a phase shifter and an attenuator into one unified device. This consolidation reduces the total number of components while maintaining both phase and amplitude control capabilities, directly addressing the contradiction between device complexity and signal control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated phase amplitude controller is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can adjust phase, adjust amplitude, and operate across wide bandwidths. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing complexity while preserving full control capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If more components are used to achieve precise phase and amplitude control, then control precision is improved, but the space and weight of the controller increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the phase shifter and attenuator into a single integrated circuit, the patent achieves precise phase and amplitude control without requiring separate discrete components for each function. This integration maintains control precision while significantly reducing the physical space required for the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit design nests multiple control functions within a single compact structure. The phase control and amplitude control mechanisms are nested within the same physical device, allowing precise control functionality to be contained in a small footprint that would traditionally require multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If traditional PAC designs are implemented in retrofit antenna arrays, then signal control is achieved, but the weight and cost of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges phase and amplitude control functions into a single lightweight integrated device, eliminating the need for heavier traditional separate components. This integration maintains full signal control functionality while reducing the overall weight of the controller, making it suitable for retrofit applications where weight is a concern.
Data Source
AI summary
Phase amplitude controllers are disclosed. In one aspect, a phase amplitude controller may be formed by splitting a signal into two paths. Each path uses an independently controlled phase adjusting circuit to adjust a phase of the signal on that path. The signals are then recombined. By selecting an appropriate total phase adjustment and a relative phase adjustment, not just the phase but also the amplitude of the resulting combined signal may be controlled. In this fashion, a phase amplitude controller may be formed with fewer parts, thereby taking up less space, weighing less, and being more amenable to use in a retrofit antenna array. Additionally, the reduction in parts may lower the cost, meaning that antenna arrays with many duplicated phase amplitude controllers may be cheaper.