Integrated RIS Antenna Switching for Directional Tx/Rx in Less Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing heat dissipation and size issues in high-frequency communication systems due to the number of communication elements, such as antennas and amplifiers, limit installation options and increase costs when separate antennas for transmission and reception are used.
Innovation Solution
A single antenna configured by an array of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) elements, which includes antenna elements, phase conversion units, and switches to control phase shifts for directional transmission and reception, allowing a single antenna to transmit and receive radio waves effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate transmission and reception antennas are configured using RIS units, then directional control capability is improved, but antenna size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate transmission and reception RIS units into a single integrated RIS unit. Each element in the RIS unit contains both a transmission antenna element and a reception antenna element, allowing the same physical structure to perform both transmission and reception functions, thereby reducing overall antenna size while maintaining directional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RIS unit is designed with multi-functional antenna elements that can operate in both transmission and reception modes. By making each element universal (capable of both transmitting and receiving), the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated transmission and reception antennas, thus reducing the total antenna area required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate transmission and reception antennas are configured using RIS units, then directional control capability is improved, but installation space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate transmission and reception RIS units into a single integrated RIS unit, reducing the physical footprint and installation space required. The integrated design allows both transmission and reception functionality to coexist in a compact form factor, making installation feasible in space-constrained environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate transmission and reception antennas are configured using RIS units, then directional control capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate transmission and reception RIS units into a single integrated unit, reducing the total number of components, mounting structures, and installation requirements. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and overall system cost while preserving the directional control functionality.
4Speed
If communication frequency increases, then communication capability is improved, but heat dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated RIS unit design consolidates multiple active components (amplifiers, phase shifters, switches) into a single compact structure, improving thermal management efficiency. By reducing the overall volume and concentrating heat-generating components in a unified thermal envelope, the system can more effectively dissipate heat even at higher communication frequencies.
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 configuration reduces the size and cost of the antenna, enabling easier installation and reducing noise interference, while maintaining effective communication.
Implementation Method 1
a first phase conversion unit configured to apply a predetermined phase shift amount to a signal to be input and then output the signal... the third radio wave radiated from each of a plurality of the first antenna elements arranged in an array is deflected in a predetermined direction in accordance with the phase shift amount applied to the transmission signal
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna element receives a first radio wave and outputs a transmission signal, and receives a second radio wave and outputs a reception signal. A phase conversion unit applies a predetermined phase shift amount to a signal to be input and then output the signal. A switch connects the antenna element to one of the phase conversion unit and external receiver. When the first radio wave enters the antenna, the switch connects the antenna element to the phase conversion unit, and the transmission signal to which the predetermined phase shift amount has been applied is radiated from the antenna element. A third radio wave radiated from each of a plurality of RIS elements is deflected in a predetermined direction. When the second radio wave enters the antenna, the switch connects the antenna element to the external receiver, and the external receiver receives the reception signal.