Non-Reciprocal Element for Full-Duplex Isolation in Phased Arrays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional phased array systems require multiple large and expensive components to achieve full duplex transmission and reception, lacking a cost-effective solution for high isolation between transmitter and receiver units.

Innovation Solution

A scalable communication system utilizing a single non-reciprocal element and 90° phase shifters to isolate transmitter and receiver units, enabling full-duplex beam steering with a single antenna, where the non-reciprocal element provides phase shifts to ensure that signals from transmitters do not interfere with receivers and vice versa.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional systems use multiple components (magnetic elements, active circuits, or time-varying circuits) to achieve full duplex transmission, then isolation between transmitter and receiver units is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation between transmitter and receiverVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple isolation functions into a single non-reciprocal element. This element simultaneously provides transmission isolation and reception isolation that would traditionally require separate magnetic elements, active circuits, and time-varying circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective isolation between transmitter and receiver units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-reciprocal element serves multiple functions: it provides phase shifting for beamforming and simultaneously enables full duplex operation by isolating the transmitter from the receiver. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated isolation components, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional systems use multiple components to achieve full duplex operation, then transmission and reception isolation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission and reception isolationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple expensive isolation components into a single non-reciprocal element, significantly reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing complexity. This consolidation maintains the required transmission and reception isolation while eliminating the need to source and integrate multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-reciprocal element provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive magnetic elements and active isolation circuits. By using this single element, the system achieves full duplex isolation at a lower manufacturing cost compared to conventional multi-component approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Area of stationary object

If a single antenna is used for both transmission and reception, then space occupancy is reduced, but isolation between transmitter and receiver becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupancyVSAvoidisolation between transmitter and receiver

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The non-reciprocal element acts as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver connected to the same antenna. It enables the antenna to serve both functions simultaneously by providing the necessary isolation, allowing space reduction without sacrificing transmitter-receiver isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system achieves effective isolation between transmitter and receiver units, allowing for continuous full-duplex operation with improved efficiency and reduced component costs, suitable for applications like radars and cellular communication.

Implementation Method 1

a non-reciprocal element coupled between the receiver and the first node. The non-reciprocal element provides a 90° phase shift from the receiver to the first node and a −90° phase shift from the first node to the receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-reciprocal phase shifting: Faraday Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10727586B2Non-reciprocal transceiver array architecture with a single non-reciprocal element

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH

AI summary

A communicate device includes transmitters and a receiver. The first transmitter is coupled to a first 90° phase shifter that is also coupled to a first antenna, and to a second 90° phase shifter that is also coupled to a first node. The second transmitter is coupled to a third 90° phase shifter that is also coupled to a second antenna, and to a fourth 90° phase shifter that is also coupled to the first node. The receiver is coupled to a fifth 90° phase shifter that is also coupled to the first antenna, and to a sixth 90° phase shifter that is also coupled to the second antenna. A non-reciprocal element, coupled between the receiver and the first node, provides a 90° phase shift from the receiver to the first node and a −90° phase shift from the first node to the receiver.