Modular Antenna Array RF Baseband Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna array systems face challenges in achieving sufficient gain and spatial coverage in higher frequency ranges, such as the 60 GHz band, due to increased propagation losses and complexity in coupling a sufficient number of antenna elements, leading to high costs and signal attenuation.
Innovation Solution
A modular architecture that synthesizes larger composite antenna arrays from smaller sub-array modules using a combination of RF beamforming within the sub-array modules and baseband beamforming between them, allowing for increased beamforming capability in beam width, gain, coverage, and beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a sufficient number of antenna elements are coupled to an RFIC to provide necessary gain, then antenna gain is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to complex signal routing
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, each with fewer antenna elements coupled to the RFIC. This segmentation reduces the complexity of signal routing while maintaining the overall gain through modular configuration. Each sub-array can be independently managed, reducing the burden on the RFIC and interconnect complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the antenna array configuration by arranging sub-arrays in specific geometric patterns. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to achieve higher gain through constructive interference of signals from multiple sub-arrays without requiring a proportional increase in routing complexity, as the spatial distribution provides additional degrees of freedom for beamforming.
2Power
If more antenna elements are used to compensate for propagation losses at higher frequencies, then antenna gain is improved, but cost increases disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the antenna array into sub-arrays, the patent reduces the total number of antenna elements required to achieve a given gain level. Each sub-array contributes to the overall gain, but the modular structure allows for more cost-effective manufacturing compared to a monolithic array with the same total gain requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-arrays are designed to be functionally equivalent and can be used in multiple configurations. This universality allows the same sub-array design to be reused across different positions and orientations, reducing the variety of components needed and thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the required antenna gain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of antenna elements are coupled to the RFIC, then beamforming capability is improved, but signal attenuation increases due to complex routing
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the antenna array into sub-arrays reduces the number of signal routing paths required, thereby reducing signal attenuation. Each sub-array has its own simplified routing to the RFIC, avoiding the cumulative attenuation that would occur in a monolithic array with many elements directly coupled to the RFIC.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-arrays act as intermediaries between the individual antenna elements and the RFIC. This intermediate structure simplifies the signal routing by grouping elements, thereby reducing the total path length and number of connections, which in turn reduces signal attenuation while preserving beamforming capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, this disclosure provides systems and methods for a modular antenna array using radio frequency (RF) and baseband (BB) beamforming. A system may include a plurality of antenna modules, each of the antenna modules further including an array of antenna elements coupled to an RF beamforming circuit, the RF beamforming circuit to adjust phase shifts associated with the antenna elements to generate an antenna beam associated with the antenna module; and a central beamforming module coupled to each of the antenna modules, the central beamforming module to control the antenna beam associated with each of the antenna modules and to generate signal adjustments relative to each of the antenna modules, wherein the arrays of antenna elements of the antenna modules combine to operate as a composite antenna beamforming array.