Matrix Front-End Assembly for Low-Power Antenna Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating radio front-end circuits with miniaturized antenna arrays at high frequencies, such as those used in 6G communication, is compounded by the need for individual control of each antenna element, which increases complexity and power consumption, while existing solutions like self-oscillating sources and beamforming receivers are not suitable for 6G systems.
Innovation Solution
A low-power circuit architecture that allows simultaneous activation of different antenna elements, supported by a lens, enabling beam scanning and tracking, with a matrix structure of front-end circuits interconnected by mixer circuits and bias circuits, allowing concurrent reception and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each antenna element is connected to an individual radio front-end for beam control, then beam scanning and beam forming functionality is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radio front-end circuits into a shared architecture where antenna elements are grouped and served by common front-end resources. The switch matrix dynamically connects antenna elements to appropriate front-end circuits, allowing beam control functionality while reducing the total number of individual front-end circuits required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the radio front-end architecture to reconfigure connections between antenna elements and front-end circuits based on beam forming requirements. This dynamic allocation enables versatile beam control while optimizing resource utilization and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each antenna element is connected to an individual radio front-end for beam control, then beam scanning and beam forming functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna elements into groups that share common radio front-end circuits. By consolidating front-end resources and using a switch matrix to dynamically allocate connections, the system achieves beam control functionality while significantly reducing the total power consumption compared to having individual front-end circuits for each antenna element.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic switching architecture allows the system to activate only the necessary front-end circuits for current beam forming operations, rather than continuously powering all individual front-ends. This dynamic resource allocation reduces power consumption while maintaining full beam control versatility.
3Length of moving object
If the antenna array is miniaturized for high frequency operation, then wavelength reduction is achieved, but arranging radio front-end circuits close to the antenna array becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional integrated structure where radio front-end circuits are stacked vertically above the miniaturized antenna array. This vertical integration maintains close proximity between antennas and front-end circuits despite the reduced wavelength and compact footprint, enabling effective RF coupling while accommodating high-frequency operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested integration approach where radio front-end circuits are positioned in multiple layers above the antenna array, with switch matrices and signal routing structures interleaved between layers. This nested arrangement allows dense packing of components while maintaining necessary electrical connections and signal integrity for miniaturized high-frequency operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure presents a front-end assembly (100) for an antenna array. The front-end assembly (100) comprises at least four front-end circuits (200), each operatively connectable to one single antenna element (35) of the antenna array (30) and interconnected to form a matrix structure comprising at least two column signal lines (110) and at least two row signal lines (120). Each front-end circuit (200) comprises a first mixer circuit (210) and a second mixer circuit (220). Said interconnection is formed by at least two first mixer circuits (210) being operatively connected to each other in parallel in each column signal line (110) and at least two second mixer circuits (220) being operatively connected to each other in parallel in each row signal line (120). Further to this, an antenna front-end assembly (10), an integrated circuit, a network node, a wireless device and a method for controlling the front end assembly (100) are presented.