Multiport Network Phase-Shifted Signal Combining for Power Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless systems face challenges in maintaining reliable communication between mobile stations and base stations due to varying path loss, which limits the maximum output power of mobile stations, leading to reduced coverage and increased costs from the need for multiple base stations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating dynamically adjustable phase-shifted signals and combining them with the transmission signal using a multiport network to optimize power distribution across multiple antennas, allowing for adaptive selection of the best antenna subset for signal transmission based on channel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high-power amplifier is used to increase output power capability, then the maximum transmission distance is improved, but the device size, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single high-power amplifier into multiple lower-power amplifiers (first power amplifier and second power amplifier). Each amplifier operates at a lower power level, avoiding the need for a single high-power amplifier while achieving the required total output power through signal combination. This segmentation reduces device size, power consumption, and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of multiple lower-power amplifiers using a multiport network to achieve the equivalent transmission capability of a single high-power amplifier. The combined signal from multiple amplifiers is merged and transmitted through multiple antennas, providing the necessary output power capability without requiring a single high-power amplifier.
2Device complexity
If multiple lower-power amplifiers are combined to increase output power, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the signal quality and transmission reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic phase adjustment where the phase of signals from multiple amplifiers is dynamically controlled and optimized. The phase shifter adjusts the phase relationship between signals from different amplifiers based on channel conditions, ensuring constructive interference and maintaining signal quality. This dynamic adaptation ensures transmission reliability while using multiple lower-power amplifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the phase and amplitude of signals from multiple amplifiers. By continuously optimizing the phase relationships and signal combining based on received signal quality, the system maintains high transmission reliability while benefiting from the reduced size and cost of multiple lower-power amplifiers.
3Reliability
If the number of base stations is increased to improve coverage, then the communication reliability is improved, but the network cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile stations to transmit signals over longer distances by effectively increasing output power capability through multiple amplifiers and antennas. This allows signals to 'skip' over larger geographic areas, reducing the number of base stations needed to provide continuous coverage while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-antenna transmission to multi-antenna transmission with phase-controlled signal combining. This dimensional change in the transmission system enables signals to reach farther distances, effectively extending coverage area without proportionally increasing the number of base stations required.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for at least one method and apparatus of transmitting a transmission signal through a plurality of antennas are disclosed. One method includes generating at least one dynamically adjustable phase shifted signal from the transmission signal. The transmission signal and the at least one dynamically adjustable phase shifted signal are separately amplified. The amplified transmission signal and the amplified at least one dynamically adjustable phase shifted signal are combined within a multiport network. An output signal for each of the plurality of antennas is generated by the multiport network.