Energy Converter Antenna Array for Precise Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-element electronically steerable antennas (MESAs) face limitations in accuracy and cost due to the limited dynamic range and resolution of variable phase shifters, which restricts the precision of beam steering and suitability for high mobility applications, and are not suitable for variable directivity and gain requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an energy converter based multi-element antenna array that uses a control circuit to generate amplitude and phase control signals, a multiple input single output (MISO) operator to produce RF output signals, and digital/mixed-signal circuitry for phase and power control, enabling precise beam steering and adaptable antenna configurations without mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional variable phase shifters are used in multi-element MESAs, then the antenna can achieve beam steering capability, but the accuracy of beam steering is limited due to restricted dynamic range and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional variable phase shifters with an energy converter-based control system that uses digital-to-analog conversion and voltage-controlled impedance elements. This substitution eliminates the mechanical and electronic limitations of traditional phase shifters, providing continuous and precise control over amplitude and phase parameters without restricted dynamic range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements independent control of amplitude and phase parameters through separate control circuits and energy converters. By changing the control voltage parameters applied to the energy converters, the system can continuously adjust the amplitude and phase of each antenna element, achieving high-precision beam steering with enhanced dynamic range and resolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MESA designs are used, then basic beam steering is achieved, but adaptability for variable directivity and gain requirements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically reconfigurable antenna system where each antenna element's amplitude and phase can be independently and continuously adjusted through energy converter circuits. This dynamic control enables the antenna array to adapt to varying directivity and gain requirements by electronically reconfiguring the radiation pattern without mechanical movement or fixed constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy converter-based control system provides universal adaptability by enabling the same antenna hardware to perform multiple functions: beam steering, variable directivity control, gain adjustment, and pattern shaping. The system can be programmed to achieve different radiation patterns and performance characteristics through software control of the energy converters, making it suitable for diverse communication applications.
3Measurement precision
If high precision beam steering is achieved through increased system capabilities, then accuracy improves, but size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-hungry conventional phase shifting mechanisms with energy converter circuits that use voltage-controlled impedance elements. These converters require significantly less power while providing continuous and precise control over amplitude and phase, achieving high beam steering precision with reduced power consumption and smaller form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy converter based transmitter, a method, a multi-element antenna array are provided for a radio frequency (RF) transmission. For example, the energy converter based transmitter can include a control circuit, a multiple input single output (MISO) operator, and an antenna. The control circuit is configured to receive input information and generate amplitude control signals and phase control signals. The MISO operator is configured to receive the amplitude control signals and the phase control signals and to generate an RF output signal. Further, the antenna is configured to receive and transmit the RF output signal.