Coordinated Dynamic Analog Beamformer for Wireless Signal Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digital and analog beamformers face limitations in improving signal-to-noise ratio for low data rates, requiring complex antenna alignment, being costly, and generating interference, especially in long-distance point-to-point communication.

Innovation Solution

A coordinated dynamic analog beamformer that dynamically adjusts per-packet analog beams using a neighbor lookup database and cloud coordination, enabling automatic beam alignment and reducing interference through a steerable pencil-beam radiation pattern.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional digital beamforming is used, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved for high data rates, but it does not help devices using low data rates and does not improve the range of management, control, and action frames

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidapplicability to low data rates and control frames

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic analog beamforming that adapts to different data rates and frame types. The system dynamically adjusts beamforming parameters based on whether the transmission is a high-rate data packet or a low-rate management/control frame, making the beamforming applicable across all communication scenarios rather than being limited to specific conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the beamforming system based on the type of transmission. For low data rate and control frame transmissions, the system adjusts beamforming parameters differently than for high data rate packets, enabling improved signal-to-noise ratio across diverse communication requirements including management, control, and action frames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional analog beamforming is used, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but complex antenna alignment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidantenna alignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic antenna alignment where the system self-adjusts the beamforming parameters without requiring manual or complex external alignment procedures. The beamforming system automatically determines and adjusts the optimal antenna configuration, eliminating the need for complex antenna alignment while maintaining improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional beamforming systems are used, then directional communication is achieved, but cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional communication capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cost-effective analog beamforming architecture that achieves directional communication without requiring expensive digital beamforming hardware. The system uses simpler, more economical analog components to implement the beamforming function, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the essential directional communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If conventional beamforming is used, then signal coverage is enhanced, but interference is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal coverageVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beamforming that concentrates signal energy in specific directional regions while maintaining signal coverage. By creating focused beam patterns rather than omnidirectional coverage, the system enhances signal-to-noise ratio in target directions while reducing interference in other directions, achieving local quality improvement in signal delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides a cost-effective, scalable, and interference-reduced beamforming architecture for various communication ranges, enhancing signal coverage and efficiency in wireless communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

causes the set of phase shifters to steer the radiation pattern of electromagnetic energy, radiated by an antenna array of elements, at the phase shifter angle value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Data Source

PatentUS11218203B1Coordinated dynamic analog beamformer

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Technologies directed to coordinated dynamic analog beamforming are described. One method includes receiving, by a digital controller of a first wireless device, a data packet, the data packet comprising a destination address of a second wireless device. The method further includes retrieving, from memory, beamformer configuration data associated with the destination address, the beamformer configuration data comprising a phase shifter angle value for a radiation pattern. The method sends, to a beamformer circuit, the phase shifter angle value, the beamformer circuit comprises a power splitter and a set of phase shifters (e.g., at least four). The method causes the set of phase shifters to steer the radiation pattern of electromagnetic energy, radiated by an antenna array of elements, at the phase shifter angle value and sends the data packet to the second wireless device via the antenna array.