Liquid Crystal Phased Array Scanning With AI Phase Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite communication systems face challenges in providing comprehensive global coverage, with over 30% of the global population lacking mobile communication services and 52% lacking broadband services due to limited terrestrial network coverage, necessitating the development of cost-effective satellite communication ground terminals that can efficiently scan and connect with satellites.

Innovation Solution

A phased array antenna system utilizing a liquid crystal phase shifter and an artificial intelligence algorithm to adjust beam steering voltage, enabling intelligent and rapid scanning to optimize signal reception and improve scanning speed and accuracy, while also incorporating inertial navigation for connection recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional servo antenna systems are used, then reliable satellite connection can be achieved, but high cost and complex structure prevent popularization

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical servo antenna systems with a liquid crystal phased array antenna system. The liquid crystal phase shifter uses electrical fields to control beam direction instead of mechanical movement, achieving both cost reduction and maintained reliability through electronic beam steering and AI-based phase calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the liquid crystal phase shifter dynamically. By adjusting the beam steering voltage and performing phase calibration through AI algorithms, the system adapts to different satellite positions and signal conditions, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If liquid crystal phased array antenna is used, then cost is reduced, but scanning speed and accuracy need improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidscanning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through AI algorithms that automatically perform phase calibration and beam steering optimization. The system autonomously detects signal levels, adjusts phase shifters, and maximizes received signal strength without manual intervention, achieving fast and accurate scanning while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors received signal levels and uses AI algorithms to adjust beam steering voltages and phase calibration in real-time. This closed-loop control enables rapid convergence to optimal beam directions, improving scanning speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If beam steering voltage is continuously adjusted by AI algorithm, then scanning accuracy is improved, but scanning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning accuracyVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary phase calibration using AI algorithms before actual satellite communication operations. By pre-optimizing beam directions and phase settings, the system reduces the time required for real-time adjustments, achieving both high scanning accuracy and reduced scanning time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic beam steering where the AI algorithm continuously adapts beam directions based on real-time signal conditions. The system dynamically adjusts phase shifters and beam steering voltages to track satellite movements, maintaining high accuracy while minimizing scanning time through intelligent optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system achieves efficient and accurate satellite scanning and connection establishment, ensuring reliable communication services by fine-tuning beam direction and adjusting to optimal angles, thereby enhancing coverage and connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid crystal phase shifter used for phase calibration of the plurality of antenna array elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal phase shifting: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

applying a first beam steering voltage to the liquid crystal phase shifter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 3

detecting a level value of a first received signal received by the plurality of antenna array elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240063537A1Phased Array Antenna, Scanning Method therefor, and Antenna System
Publication Date: 2024.02.22 BEIJING BOE TECH DEV CO LTD
  • US20240063537A1 patent drawing
  • US20240063537A1 patent drawing
  • US20240063537A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A phased array antenna, a scanning method therefor, and an antenna system. The phased array antenna comprises a plurality of antenna elements and a liquid crystal phase shifter used for performing phase calibration on the plurality of antenna elements. The scanning method comprises: applying a first wave control voltage to the liquid crystal phase shifter, and detecting first received signal level values received by the plurality of antenna elements; and continuously adjusting the first wave control voltage by means of an artificial intelligence algorithm, and detecting second received signal level values received by the plurality of antenna elements, until the ratios of the first received signal level values to the second received signal level values are greater than or equal to a first threshold.