IRS Varactor Control Circuit for Continuous Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent reflecting surface arrays face challenges in achieving continuous adjustment of communication channels due to the complexity of electrical control methods, high manufacturing costs, and reduced control power in multiplex modes, particularly with PIN and varactor diode configurations.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a control voltage module, voltage amplification module, and varactor diode module to generate high-precision low-amplitude analog control signals, amplify them, and control varactor diodes independently in each subunit of the intelligent reflecting surface array, eliminating the need for DA chips and enabling continuous phase compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PIN diodes are used in subunits with 2N relationship for control states, then electromagnetic beamforming accuracy is improved, but device complexity and control complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the digital-to-analog conversion function from separate DAC chips and integrates it directly into the subunit structure containing the varactor diode. This integration eliminates the need for external DAC chips while maintaining the ability to provide continuous analog control voltages to each subunit, thereby improving beamforming accuracy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an analog voltage signal as an intermediary control mechanism between the digital control system and the varactor diodes. This analog voltage serves as a mediator that enables continuous adjustment of the electromagnetic transmission channel characteristics, achieving high-precision beamforming control without requiring complex digital control logic for each of the hundreds of subunits
2Adaptability or versatility
If varactor diodes are used with external analog voltage control, then continuous adjustability of communication channels is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to DAC chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the digital-to-analog conversion functionality with the varactor diode control circuitry within each subunit. By combining these functions into a unified integrated structure rather than using separate DAC chips for each subunit, the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced while maintaining the continuous adjustability of the communication channels through analog voltage control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive DAC chips with a more cost-effective integrated control structure that uses simpler analog voltage generation and amplification circuits. This substitution uses cheaper components and simpler circuitry to achieve the same functional outcome of continuous voltage control for the varactor diodes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
3Ease of manufacture
If multiplex mode is used to share control paths, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but control power is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into independent control paths for each subunit, allowing each subunit to be controlled individually with its own analog voltage signal. This segmentation enables full control power across all subunits simultaneously, unlike multiplex mode where control paths are shared and control power is reduced. The segmentation is achieved through integrated control circuitry in each subunit rather than through shared external DAC chips
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 approach allows for precise, cost-effective control of electromagnetic beamforming and transmission channels with reduced manufacturing costs and enhanced control power, avoiding the use of high-priced components like AD/DA chips.
Implementation Method 1
The varactor diode module is configured to receive high-amplitude analog voltage signals input by the voltage amplification module to realize regulation and control of capacitance values output by varactor diodes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention is a device and method for controlling an intelligent reflecting surface array. The device comprises a control voltage module, a voltage amplification module and a varactor module which are connected in sequence; the varactor module is embedded in a subunit structure of the intelligent reflecting surface array; the control voltage module is used for generating a high-precision low-amplitude analog control voltage signal and inputting same into the voltage amplification module; the voltage amplification module is used for receiving the low-amplitude analog control voltage signal inputted by the control voltage module, and amplifying and inputting the low-amplitude analog control voltage signal into the varactor module; the varactor module is used for receiving a high-amplitude analog voltage signal inputted by the voltage amplification module to realize the regulation and control of a varactor output capacitance value. The present invention can realize the independent continuous controllability of each subunit of the intelligent reflecting surface array without using a DA chip, so that the manufacturing costs are remarkably reduced while ensuring high precision of communication channel management.