Passive MIMO Beamforming With Switched RF Transmission Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive MIMO devices face challenges with high power consumption, complex architectures, and high component costs due to the use of large numbers of phase shifter components, and beam direction involves resource-intensive programming, which can lead to latency issues in low-latency systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of beam forming structures, such as lenses and Butler matrixes, along with RF transmission line-based switching paths, reduces component count and complexity, enabling efficient signal redirection without amplification and simplifying hardware-based Direction of Arrival estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large numbers of phase shifter components are used in passive MIMO devices, then beam direction control is achieved, but device complexity and component cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple phase shifter functions into a single RF transmission line with strategically positioned switches. Instead of using individual phase shifters for each antenna element, the invention uses a shared transmission line where switches at specific positions (quarter-wavelength and half-wavelength intervals) collectively provide the necessary phase control for multiple beams, significantly reducing component count while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The RF transmission line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides phase shifting, signal routing, and beam forming capabilities. The switches positioned at specific wavelengths along the transmission line enable a single structure to control multiple beam directions without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If large numbers of phase shifter components are used in passive MIMO devices, then beam direction control is achieved, but component cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple phase shifter functions into a single RF transmission line with strategically positioned switches. Instead of using individual phase shifters for each antenna element, the invention uses a shared transmission line where switches at specific positions (quarter-wavelength and half-wavelength intervals) collectively provide the necessary phase control for multiple beams, significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a standardized RF transmission line structure that can be replicated and scaled. The same transmission line design with switches at specific wavelength intervals can be used across different beam forming configurations, reducing design and manufacturing costs through standardization rather than requiring custom expensive phase shifter components for each application
3Adaptability or versatility
If resource-intensive programming is used for beam direction, then beam direction control is achieved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF transmission line is pre-configured with switches positioned at specific quarter-wavelength and half-wavelength intervals during manufacturing. This preliminary physical arrangement of components eliminates the need for complex real-time programming calculations during operation. The beam direction control is achieved through simple switch state changes rather than resource-intensive computational algorithms, significantly reducing latency
4Reliability
If complex architectures are used in passive MIMO devices, then signal relay capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the active amplification function from the passive MIMO device architecture. By using a purely passive RF transmission line with switches instead of active phase shifters and amplifiers, the device maintains signal relay capability through passive signal routing while removing the power-consuming active components, thereby reducing overall power consumption
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 approach reduces power consumption, component costs, and programming time while maintaining low latency, enhancing signal coverage and reducing hardware requirements for Direction of Arrival estimation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transmission lines each having a first end terminated with a quarter wavelength grounding line
Implementation Method 2
beam forming structures, such as lenses and Butler matrixes along with transmission line-based switches, to receive a signal and redirect or 'reflect' the signal from the pMIMO surface
Implementation Method 3
one or more lens elements configured to modify wireless inputs signals to the first array of antennas and to modify wireless output signals from the first array of antennas
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure related to devices, wireless communication apparatuses, methods, and other aspects of passive multiple input multiple output. In some aspects, an apparatus is provided that includes a first radio frequency (RF) transmission line having a first terminated with a quarter wavelength grounded transmission line, and a first array of antennas including a plurality of antenna elements. The apparatus also includes a switch array including a corresponding switch for each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements of the first array of antennas, to selectively connect each antenna element to the first RF transmission line, and path lengths selectable by the switches at half wavelength distances for passive transmission. The apparatus also includes or more lens elements configured to modify wireless inputs signals to the first array of antennas and to modify wireless output signals from the first array of antennas.