Fast-Access Lookup Table for Phased Array Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face challenges in implementing multi-mode control with fast-access lookup tables, particularly in phased array antenna systems, which require rapid switching and low-latency beam steering for applications like 5G communications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system comprising transceiver circuits, memory, and an interface circuit that utilizes a fast-access lookup table to associate index values with gain and phase values, enabling quick configuration of transceiver channels for both transmit and receive modes, and supporting multiple frequency bands and polarization types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional beam steering control is used, then system complexity is reduced, but beam steering speed and latency performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores beamforming parameters (gain and phase values) for multiple index values in a lookup table memory before operation. When beam steering is needed, the system simply retrieves pre-computed parameters by index value, avoiding real-time complex calculations. This preliminary preparation enables fast beam steering while keeping the control system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of beamforming parameters in lookup table memory that mirrors the relationship between index values and corresponding gain/phase settings. Instead of performing complex mathematical transformations during operation, the system copies and retrieves pre-stored parameter sets, significantly accelerating beam steering response time.
2Loss of time
If fast-access lookup table implementation is used, then beam steering latency is reduced, but memory access complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming parameter space into discrete index values, each mapping to specific gain and phase settings. The lookup table is organized with index values as addresses and corresponding parameters as stored values. This segmentation allows the system to access specific beam configurations rapidly through simple index-based addressing, reducing latency while maintaining manageable memory access complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation of beamforming parameters from continuous mathematical relationships to discrete indexed values. By transforming the parameter space into a lookup table format where index values directly map to pre-computed gain and phase settings, the system enables rapid parameter retrieval through simple memory addressing operations, significantly reducing access time and latency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-mode control is implemented, then system versatility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal lookup table structure that can serve multiple control modes and operational scenarios. The same memory-based retrieval mechanism handles different index values corresponding to various beam configurations, frequency bands, and operational modes. This multi-functional approach enables the system to adapt to different communication requirements while using a single, relatively simple control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the lookup table with parameter sets for multiple operational modes and scenarios during system initialization or setup. By preparing diverse beamforming parameter combinations in advance across different index values, the system enables rapid switching between modes without complex real-time decision logic, reducing control complexity while maintaining high versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a plurality of transceiver circuits, a memory, and an interface circuit. The memory generally embodies a table associating a plurality of index values with corresponding gain and phase values for each channel of each of the transceiver circuits. In a first mode, the interface circuit may be configured to receive the corresponding gain and phase values associated with each of the plurality of index values and store the corresponding gain and phase values in the table. In a second mode, the interface circuit, in response to receiving one of the index values, configures each channel of each of the transceiver circuits with the corresponding gain and phase values from the table.