Multi-Beam Forming Network Phase Shifting for Beam Squint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-beam antenna arrays generated by multi-beam forming networks (MBFNs) suffer from beam squint, where the beam direction changes with frequency, leading to inconsistent beam coverage across different frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a matrix circuit with hybrid couplers and delay lines, coupled with a series of phase shifters, is used to generate linearly increasing or decreasing phase differences between adjacent antenna array elements, mitigating or eliminating beam squint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-beam forming networks (MBFNs) are used to generate multiple beams, then communication capacity is increased, but beam squint occurs causing beam direction to change with frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and applying frequency-dependent phase compensation to each beam path before signal transmission. The system determines the beam squint offset for each frequency and applies corrective phase shifts in advance, ensuring that beams remain pointed in the correct direction across the entire operating bandwidth without requiring real-time adjustment during transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the phase shift values in the beamforming network based on the operating frequency. The system modifies the phase parameters of each beam path according to the frequency-dependent squint characteristics, allowing the beam directions to be compensated and maintained accurately across wide frequency bands used in 3G, 4G, and 5G communications.
2Reliability
If lens-based multi-beam antennas are used, then beam squint is eliminated, but antenna size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical lens-based beamforming system with an electronic phase-shifting system. Instead of using physical lens structures that require precise mechanical positioning and have fixed focal properties, the system uses electronically controllable phase shifters to achieve beamforming and beam squint compensation, resulting in a much lighter and more flexible antenna system suitable for modern mobile communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the electrical phase parameters of each antenna element through programmable phase shifters. This electronic parameter adjustment replaces the fixed geometric parameters of lens-based systems, allowing dynamic adaptation to different frequencies and beam directions without changing the physical structure, thereby eliminating the need for large, heavy lens components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fractional bandwidth is increased to cover wider frequency ranges, then frequency coverage is improved, but beam squint becomes more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the frequency-dependent phase compensation values across the entire operating bandwidth before transmission. The system determines the beam squint characteristics for each frequency within the wide bandwidth and applies appropriate phase corrections in advance, enabling consistent beam direction accuracy across 3G, 4G, and 5G frequency bands without requiring real-time frequency tuning.
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 configuration effectively stabilizes the beam direction across varying frequencies, ensuring consistent beam coverage and enabling closed-loop communication in multi-beam antenna systems.
Implementation Method 1
A linearly increasing or decreasing phase difference in the signals fed into adjacent antenna array elements across the array mitigates or eliminates beam squint in the resulting multiple beams. The phase shifters are programmed to provide this increasing or decreasing phase differences.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods relating to multi-beam forming networks using an antenna array. A matrix circuit for feeding elements of an antenna array to produce multiple beams is provided. To address beam squint issues, beam squint is mitigated by using a series of phase shifters with specific phase-delay performances between the matrix circuit and the antenna array elements. A linearly increasing or decreasing phase difference in the signals fed into adjacent antenna array elements across the array mitigates or eliminates beam squint in the resulting multiple beams. The phase shifters are programmed to provide this increasing or decreasing phase differences.