Lens Array Beamforming for Concurrent Multi-Array Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems using multiple antenna arrays face challenges in increasing the number of concurrent beams without increasing component counts or introducing complexity, particularly in maintaining beam separation and coverage.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple antenna arrays in conjunction with a lens array allows for the concurrent generation of multiple beams in different directions, with the lens array maintaining orthogonality between beams due to different physical locations relative to the focal plane, thereby supporting a higher number of concurrent directional communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of concurrent beams is increased to enhance throughput, then the system capacity improves, but the component count (antenna elements, phase shifters) and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large antenna array into multiple smaller sub-arrays, where each sub-array can independently form beams. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple concurrent beams without proportionally increasing the total number of components, as each sub-array shares common resources like phase shifters and signal processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by positioning multiple sub-arrays at different physical locations and orientations. By exploiting the spatial separation and different focal points, the system can generate multiple concurrent beams in different directions without requiring proportional increases in component count, effectively using spatial diversity to multiply beam capacity.
2Reliability
If more antenna elements are added to support more concurrent beams, then beam coverage and separation improve, but the device size and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the antenna system into multiple smaller sub-arrays, each sub-array can be optimized for specific beam directions while sharing common hardware resources. This reduces the overall device size compared to a single large array, while maintaining beam separation through the spatial distribution of sub-arrays and their independent beamforming capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sub-array is designed to be multi-functional, capable of forming beams in multiple directions and serving multiple purposes. The sub-arrays can dynamically adjust their beam patterns to provide both coverage and separation as needed, reducing the need for dedicated components for each function and thereby reducing overall device size.
3Device complexity
If the number of antenna elements per array is reduced, then device complexity decreases, but beam shape quality and transmission power may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sub-arrays, each with fewer antenna elements, into a coordinated system that collectively achieves the desired beam shape quality. By merging the output of multiple sub-arrays and coordinating their beamforming operations, the system maintains beam quality while using fewer elements per individual array, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent compensates for the reduced number of elements per array by utilizing the spatial dimension - positioning sub-arrays at different locations and orientations. This spatial distribution allows the system to achieve equivalent or superior beam shaping through constructive interference and spatial filtering, maintaining beam quality while reducing per-array complexity.
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 enhances throughput and coverage while reducing the number of antenna elements required per array, maintaining beam shape and separation, and improving transmission power.
Implementation Method 1
Each individual array of antenna elements may include a set of antenna elements along with associated phase shifting circuitry. The multiple lenses may be disposed as a lens array of any configuration... each array of antenna elements may individually be capable of concurrently generating (either for transmitting or receiving signals) multiple beams in multiple different directions
Data Source
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.