Matrix Front-End Assembly for Beam Scanning in Miniaturized Arrays
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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 and the complexity of beam control, which existing technologies like self-oscillating sources do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A radio front-end assembly with a matrix structure of individually controllable mixer circuits, including first and second mixer circuits connected in parallel via column and row signal lines, allowing for power-saving and conflict resolution, and integrated with a lens for beam tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If miniaturized antenna arrays are used at high frequencies, then the size of the antenna array is reduced, but the difficulty of arranging radio front-end circuits close to the antenna array increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple radio front-end circuits into a single integrated circuit substrate that is directly coupled to the miniaturized antenna array. This integration allows the front-end circuits to be arranged in close proximity to the antenna elements without increasing the overall system size, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and circuit arrangement difficulty.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual radio front-end circuits are provided for each antenna element to enable beam control, then beam scanning and forming capabilities are achieved, but the number of required circuits and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal radio front-end circuit design where identical circuit modules are reused across multiple antenna elements. Each module performs the same functions (amplification, phase shifting, signal processing) but is controlled independently to achieve beam scanning and forming. This modular approach provides full beam control capability while reducing design complexity and enabling scalable implementation.
3Reliability
If multiple antenna elements are activated simultaneously for multi-beam operation, then beam coverage and resolution are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the radio front-end circuits where individual circuit modules can be selectively activated or deactivated based on current operational requirements. For multi-beam operation, only the necessary subset of circuits is powered on, allowing the system to achieve improved beam coverage and resolution while minimizing power consumption by keeping unused circuits in a low-power state.
Data Source
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.