Lens-Based Switched Beam Antenna System Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched beam antenna systems using RF lens devices face inefficiencies due to the need for additional components like beam combiners/splitters, which result in undesired system loss and increased power requirements when generating multiple beams.
Innovation Solution
A lens-based switched beam antenna system that utilizes a beam-forming lens and switch matrices to transmit multiple signals through distinct groups of beam ports, eliminating the need for beam combiners/splitters by using a processor to operate switches and determine the desired far field beam angle, thereby increasing system capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beam combiners/splitters are used to generate multiple beams, then the system can form multiple simultaneous beams, but system loss increases and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam port router is divided into multiple groups of beam ports, with each group corresponding to a different signal. This segmentation allows multiple signals to be routed through dedicated beam port groups without requiring beam combiners, thereby reducing system loss while maintaining multiple beam generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of signal routing by using groups of beam ports instead of traditional beam combining approaches. Each group of beam ports operates independently for different signals, creating a multi-dimensional routing structure that eliminates the need for lossy beam combining components
2Adaptability or versatility
If beam combiners/splitters are used to generate multiple beams, then the system can form multiple simultaneous beams, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes beam combiners/splitters from the system architecture. By using a beam port router with multiple groups of beam ports that directly route different signals to different beams, the system eliminates unnecessary components and reduces overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The beam port router is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a signal distribution network and a beam formation control mechanism. This universal component handles multiple signals and multiple beams simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
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 signal strength and reduces power loss by allowing multiple signals to be converted into beams without the need for additional components, effectively doubling the system's capacity while minimizing insertion loss and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a beam-forming lens, and a beam port router coupled to the beam-forming lens
Data Source
AI summary
A lens-based switched beam antenna system including a beam-forming lens, and a beam port router coupled to the beam-forming lens, including a plurality of beam ports, and configured to transmit beams via corresponding ones of the beam ports, wherein a first group of the beam ports corresponds to a first signal, and wherein a second group of the beam ports corresponds to a second signal.