Lens Array Beam Separation for Multi-Antenna Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communications systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple concurrent beams and directional communication links due to increased component counts and complexity, particularly when using phased antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple antenna arrays in conjunction with a lens array allows for each array to generate multiple beams in different directions, with the lens maintaining beam separation and focusing, enabling up to M*N concurrent directional communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of concurrent beams supported by a phased antenna array is increased, then throughput is improved, but component count and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large antenna array into multiple smaller antenna arrays, where each sub-array independently generates beams. This segmentation reduces the complexity of controlling a single large array while maintaining the ability to support multiple concurrent beams through coordinated operation of the sub-arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lens arrays as intermediary components between the antenna arrays and the propagation medium. These lenses focus and shape the electromagnetic waves, enabling beam formation and direction control without requiring complex phase shifters and amplitude controllers in each antenna element, thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the number of antenna elements in a phased array is increased to support more concurrent beams, then beam separation and link quality improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the antenna system into multiple smaller arrays, each array can be optimized for specific beam directions. The lenses further segment the beam space by focusing energy in specific directions, achieving good beam separation without requiring a single large array with many elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/phased array system (requiring precise phase and amplitude control of many elements) with an optical-like system using lenses to focus and direct electromagnetic waves. This substitution simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining beam separation capability.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple antenna arrays are used to support more concurrent beams, then coverage radius and transmission power are improved, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coverage area is divided into multiple sectors, each handled by a combination of antenna array and lens. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for a specific directional sector, achieving wide overall coverage through coordinated operation of multiple simpler subsystems rather than one complex all-directional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens arrays serve multiple functions: they focus the electromagnetic waves, shape the beams, and direct them in specific directions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving wide coverage and high transmission power.
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 enhances throughput, coverage radius, and transmission power while reducing the number of antenna elements required, providing improved beam shaping and link separation.
Implementation Method 1
a lens including a first focal point and a second focal point. The lens is configured to generate a second beam of a plane wave by compensating for a phase error of the steered first beam passing through at least one of the first focal point or the second focal point
Implementation Method 2
The lens is configured to generate a second beam of a plane wave by compensating for a phase error of the steered first beam passing through at least one of the first focal point or the second focal point
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A device may be configured to include an array of lenses along with multiple antenna arrays that each include a set of antenna elements. The antenna arrays may each support multiple beam directions, such as a respective beam direction for each lens of the array of lenses. If beams for multiple antenna arrays concurrently pass through the same lens, the lens may contribute to maintaining separation between the beams. Lenses may also contribute to the shaping of beams, and the use of multiple lenses may enhance a coverage area for beams transmitted or received by the antenna arrays.