Meta-Surface Beamforming Repeater Without Phase-Shifter Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless repeaters using phased-array architectures for higher-frequency bands face challenges with increased complexity, power consumption, and cost due to the need for multiple phase-shifters, low-noise amplifiers, and power amplifiers, which are exacerbated by radiation leakage and interference issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of meta-surface antennas with a signal relay chain that eliminates the need for analog phase-shifters, using meta-material resonators for beamforming and gain control, and a dual-port meta-surface antenna for both reception and transmission, reducing complexity and power consumption while improving signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If phased-array architectures with multiple phase-shifters and amplifiers are used for beamforming, then directional communication capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional communication capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex analog phase-shifter network from the traditional phased-array architecture. Instead of using multiple phase-shifters for each antenna element, the invention employs a simplified architecture where a single phase-shifter or no phase-shifter is used per element, combined with digital signal processing to achieve beamforming. This extraction of the complex analog component directly reduces device complexity while maintaining directional communication capability through alternative means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/analog phase-shifter system with a digital signal processing approach. Rather than physically adjusting phase with analog components for each antenna element, the invention uses digital processing in the baseband to achieve phase control and beamforming. This substitution replaces the complex analog/m mechanical system with a more manageable digital system, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If phased-array architectures with multiple phase-shifters and amplifiers are used for beamforming, then directional communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional communication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the power-hungry analog phase-shifter network from the traditional phased-array architecture. By eliminating multiple analog phase-shifters and their associated amplifiers, the invention significantly reduces the number of active components that consume power. This extraction directly addresses the power consumption issue while maintaining beamforming functionality through simplified architecture and digital processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless repeaters implement beamforming with phase-shifters and amplifiers, then signal directionality is improved, but radiation leakage and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal directionalityVSAvoidradiation leakage and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses radiation leakage and interference issues by converting the potential harm into benefit through careful architectural design. The simplified per-element structure with reduced inter-component coupling minimizes signal leakage between elements. Additionally, the invention uses shielding and isolation techniques to contain electromagnetic radiation, converting what could be harmful leakage into controlled signal paths. This approach maintains signal directionality while reducing harmful radiation and interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This approach enables cost-effective and efficient beamforming repeaters that reduce signal interference and maintain stability, achieving improved signal quality and reduced complexity compared to traditional phased-array repeaters.

Implementation Method 1

a first meta-surface antenna configured to receive a signal via a receive antenna beam; a second meta-surface antenna configured to retransmit the signal via a transmit antenna beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Implementation Method 2

using meta-material resonators for beamforming and gain control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMeta-material resonators: Negative Index Metamaterials

Data Source

PatentUS20230336237A1Beamforming repeater with meta-surface antennas

Publication Date: 2023.10.19 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A wireless repeater receives an RF signal at a first meta-surface antenna. A signal relay chain amplifies a received RF signal from the first meta-surface antenna into a transmit RF signal that is transmitted by a second meta-surface antenna. Alternatively, the signal relay chain receives the RF signal at a reception port of the first meta-surface antenna, which may include a transmit port for receiving the transmit RF signal.