Holographic Multibeam Metasurface Antenna for Concurrent RF Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reconfigurable antennas are limited to creating only a single wireless link, which can result in data loss and customer dissatisfaction when multiple links are desired, and existing multi-beam antennas operate at different frequencies or require separate antenna elements for each beam.
Innovation Solution
A multibeam antenna with a single aperture that generates multiple beams simultaneously using holographic beamforming and a controller, allowing independent control of beams through multiple or single feed ports, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single aperture is used to generate multiple beams, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision is worsened because different antenna elements must be precisely controlled to contribute to all beams concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna aperture into multiple independently controllable antenna elements, where each element can be individually modulated to contribute to different beams. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-beam functionality through coordinated control of discrete elements rather than requiring a monolithic structure with extreme precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of antenna elements through time-varying modulation patterns applied to liquid crystal or varactor-based elements. This dynamic approach allows the same physical aperture to reconfigure and generate multiple beams at the same frequency by changing the electrical properties of individual elements over time, rather than requiring static precise positioning.
2Reliability
If multiple feed ports are used to create two beams at different frequencies, then signal isolation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple terminals sharing the same aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna elements universally controllable through a single feed port, where the same aperture and elements can generate multiple beams at the same frequency by applying different modulation patterns. This eliminates the need for multiple dedicated feed ports while maintaining the ability to create isolated communication channels through spatial and temporal modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna elements dynamically by applying time-varying modulation patterns that control the amplitude and phase of each element. This parameter modulation allows a single feed port to generate multiple independent beams at the same frequency, achieving signal isolation through controlled parameter variations rather than physical separation.
3Device complexity
If a single wireless link is created, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases when multiple links are desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous operation of multiple wireless links by generating multiple beams concurrently from the same aperture. Unlike sequential switching between single links, the system maintains continuous useful action on multiple communication channels at the same time, thereby increasing overall productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation patterns applied to the antenna elements to create distinct beams that can be activated or deactivated in different time periods. This periodic action allows the system to manage multiple communication links efficiently, allocating resources across different beams while maintaining the capability for simultaneous high-speed data transmission.
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
Enables simultaneous communication with multiple satellites without data loss by creating independent reconfigurable wireless channels, improving throughput and maintaining existing links through beamforming modulation.
Implementation Method 1
a first modulation pattern for holographic beamforming applied to the plurality of RF radiating antenna elements to establish all beams of the plurality of beams
Data Source
AI summary
A multibeam antenna and method of using the same are described. In one embodiment, the antenna comprises an aperture having a plurality of radio-frequency (RF) radiating antenna elements. The RF radiating antenna elements generate a plurality of beams simultaneously in different directions in response to a first modulation pattern for holographic beamforming applied to the plurality of RF radiating antenna elements to establish all beams of the plurality of beams such that antenna elements of the plurality of RF radiating antenna elements contribute to all beams in the plurality of beams concurrently. The antenna also includes a controller coupled to the aperture to generate the first modulation pattern.