Lens-Enhanced Feeder Array for Compact Millimeter-Wave Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing millimeter wave communication devices face challenges with lower power reception in Lens-Enhanced Phase-Array (LEPA) RF receivers, leading to bottlenecks in reliable communication, especially in 4G and 5G standards. The non-uniform power distribution and discretized scanning in conventional LEPA configurations result in delayed power measurement and processing.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a communication device with a lens-based feeder array configuration that uses different lens configurations with varying shapes, sizes, and geometries to enhance RF signal power gain without increasing the area of the feeder array or the number of antenna elements. This configuration facilitates continuous scanning and equalized power distribution across the feeder array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the area of the phased array antenna panel is increased to increase received power, then the received power is improved, but the size of the receiver increases making it impractical for thin form factor devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens element to focus RF signals onto a compact phased array antenna panel, effectively concentrating energy in a spatial dimension without increasing the physical footprint of the receiver. The lens creates a focal point where incident RF signals are concentrated, enabling high received power with a small aperture array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a lens material with a phased array antenna panel. The lens material (which may be dielectric or metamaterial) works in conjunction with the antenna elements to achieve signal focusing and enhancement, creating a composite system that delivers high received power in a compact form factor.
2Measurement precision
If discrete scanning is performed for each phase-array element to measure power at different scan angles, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the overall delay in power measurement, capture, and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous scanning of the RF signal beam across the phased array elements simultaneously, rather than sequentially scanning each element. The lens focuses the incident signal onto the entire array at once, allowing all elements to measure power at different scan angles in parallel, eliminating the time delays associated with discrete sequential scanning while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Power
If the number of antennas in the phased array is increased to increase received power, then the received power is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a lens to focus RF signals onto a compact phased array, achieving high received power with a smaller number of antenna elements. The lens adds a spatial dimension for signal concentration, reducing the need to increase the number of antennas to improve power reception, thereby lowering device complexity and manufacturing cost.
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
The solution improves power gain for received RF signals, enables robust communication for millimeter wave devices at 4G, 5G, and higher standards, and reduces the size of the receiver while maintaining reliable operation and efficient power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens may be designed to guide a beam of input RF signals, received at an incident angle with respect to a plane of the receiver, across the feeder array of the plurality of antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a system board that includes a plurality of chips. Each chip in plurality of chips includes a plurality of antennas. A system board cover coupled to system board includes a plurality of lenses. Each lens is configured to cover an antenna of plurality of antennas as a radome enclosure. Each lens includes a base and a first tubular membrane coupled to base. A second membrane is coupled to the first tubular membrane. A support structure is coupled to the first tubular membrane. The support structure facilitates coupling of plurality of lenses to system board cover. The system board cover includes a feeder array that includes a plurality of antenna elements that are positioned at a proximal distance from base of a lens and the proximal distance of the system board from the base of the lens is less than a focal length of the lens.