Lens Array Beamforming for Concurrent Multi-Beam Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting multiple concurrent beams due to increased component counts and complexity, particularly when using high-frequency signals and phased antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple antenna arrays in conjunction with a lens array allows each array to concurrently generate multiple beams directed at different lenses, maintaining orthogonality between beams, thereby supporting up to M*N concurrent directional communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of concurrent beams is increased to support more directional communication links, then the throughput and communication capacity are improved, but the component count (antenna elements, phase shifters) and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beamforming function across multiple independent antenna arrays, where each array generates a subset of concurrent beams. This segmentation allows the system to support M*N total beams (M arrays × N beams per array) while keeping each array's component count manageable, thus resolving the contradiction between high throughput and reduced complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by combining multiple antenna arrays with a lens array. The lens array provides an additional spatial dimension for beam control, allowing beams from different antenna arrays to be focused through different lenses. This dimensional addition enables concurrent beam support without linearly increasing phase shifter counts within each array
2Area of stationary object
If more antenna elements are added to support multiple concurrent beams, then the beam coverage and directionality are improved, but the device size and physical footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna arrays with a shared lens array to achieve comprehensive beam coverage. Instead of expanding a single large antenna array, the system combines several smaller arrays whose beams are focused by the lens array, achieving large coverage area while keeping individual array sizes compact
Solution Approach 2:
The lens array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it focuses beams from different antenna arrays, provides spatial separation for concurrent beams, and enables directional control without requiring each antenna array to independently provide full coverage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for redundant antenna elements
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 reduces the number of antenna elements required while enhancing beam shape, coverage radius, and transmission power, providing improved throughput and reliability in wireless communications.
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.