Dual-Sided Phased Array Antenna With Single Beamforming IC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antenna systems require multiple antenna elements and beamforming ICs to change radiation patterns, leading to increased footprint and cost, while being limited to transmitting and receiving signals only from one hemisphere.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna system with two arrays of antenna elements, each with two elements, and a single beamforming IC, utilizing transmission lines to delay RF signals and adjust the radiation pattern without the need for additional components, allowing for double-sided radiation and reduced component duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If many antenna elements and beamforming ICs are used to change radiation pattern, then radiation pattern control is improved, but footprint and cost increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
A single beamforming IC is designed to control multiple antenna arrays (first array and second array) that face opposite directions. The beamforming IC performs multiple functions including signal distribution to different arrays, phase control for each array, and radiation pattern shaping, eliminating the need for separate beamforming ICs for each array and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two antenna arrays facing opposite directions with a single beamforming IC into one integrated system. The transmission lines merge the signal paths from the single beamforming IC to both arrays, allowing unified control of radiation patterns in multiple directions without requiring duplicate beamforming components, thereby reducing footprint and cost while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional phased array antenna systems are used, then radiation pattern can be controlled, but the system is limited to transmitting and receiving signals only from one hemisphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the radiation coverage from a single hemisphere to full 360-degree coverage by adding a second antenna array facing the opposite direction. This dimensional expansion allows the system to transmit and receive signals from all directions around the device, not just one hemisphere, while using a single beamforming IC to control both arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses two antenna arrays facing opposite directions (inverted orientations) to achieve omnidirectional coverage. By arranging arrays in opposite configurations and controlling them through a single beamforming IC with appropriate phase shifts, the system overcomes the hemispherical limitation of conventional single-sided arrays without duplicating the entire beamforming system.
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
The system achieves efficient double-sided radiation with reduced component count and cost, maintaining performance by optimizing radiation patterns for various applications, including smartphones and mobile routers, with improved gain and directional control.
Implementation Method 1
The set of transmission lines is designed and made to delay radio frequency (RF) signals from the beamforming IC to first and third antenna elements with respect to RF signals from the beamforming IC to the second and fourth antenna elements
Implementation Method 2
Typically the phases are arranged such that signals transmitted from each element constructively interfere and sum up in amplitude for a desired direction. This is called analog beam forming and the direction in which constructive interference occurs, is referred to as the main lobe
Implementation Method 3
Electromagnetic waves incoming from a certain direction will couple to each element. When using a suitable set of programmable phase shifts on each element, these individual signals can be summed coherently to maximize receiver gain from the direction of the main lobe
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a phased array antenna system that includes: a first array of antenna elements having a first and second antenna element; a second array of antenna elements having a third and fourth antenna element; a beamforming integrated circuit (IC) coupled to the first and second arrays; and a set of transmission lines coupling the beamforming IC to the first and second arrays. The first and second arrays are parallel to and facing in opposite directions of each other. The set of transmission lines is configured to delay radio frequency (RF) signals from the beamforming IC to first and third antenna elements.