Multi-Layer Antenna Structure for Shared TX/RX Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of beamforming integrated circuits (BFICs) in analog phased array antennas is costly due to the need for each transmitting and receiving antenna to occupy multiple RF interfaces, increasing the number of BFICs required and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer antenna structure with phase couplers and multiplexers that allow each radiator to function as both a transmitting and receiving antenna, sharing beamforming units and reducing the number of RF interfaces needed, thereby optimizing the use of BFICs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each transmitting and receiving antenna occupies multiple RF interfaces of BFICs, then beamforming capabilities are achieved, but the number of BFICs increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode antenna element that can operate as either a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna. The switching module enables each antenna element to be dynamically configured for different functions, allowing the same hardware resource to serve multiple purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of antenna elements and BFIC interfaces needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining full beamforming capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of BFICs is reduced to lower cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the ability to support multiple transmitting and receiving antennas may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow antenna elements to change their function between transmitting and receiving modes based on operational requirements. The switching module dynamically reconfigures the antenna elements, enabling the system to adapt its functionality. This dynamic capability ensures that despite using fewer BFICs, the system maintains versatile support for multiple transmitting and receiving antennas through time-division and spatial-division multiplexing.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device is provided, including a plurality of radiators, a plurality of first feeding portions, a plurality of second feeding portions, a plurality of phase couplers, and a plurality of beamforming units; each of the first feeding portions is corresponded to each of the second feeding portions respectively; each phase coupler is correspondingly connected to each first feeding portion and each second feeding portion, each of the phase couplers is corresponded to each of the radiators; the beamforming units include a plurality of transmitting beamforming units and a plurality of receiving beamforming units; projection areas of each of first feeding portion and each second feeding portion on the corresponding radiator at least partially overlap; each phase coupler is respectively connected to one transmitting beamforming unit and one receiving beamforming unit.