Phase Array Antenna Trace Length Optimization for mmWave Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase array antennas face power losses and signal degradation due to uniform trace lengths, which cause unwanted phase variations and noise, especially at high frequencies, as all traces must be the same length to minimize phase deviations, leading to inefficient signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of trace lengths that differ by a multiple of the signal wavelength, with permissible variations up to a quarter or eighth wavelength, and the use of optimal beamforming to correct for trace length mismatches, along with a calibration method to adjust phase shifts and minimize manufacturing-induced variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If uniform trace lengths are used to minimize phase deviations, then phase consistency is improved, but power loss increases due to unnecessarily long traces for centrally located antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different trace lengths for different antenna positions in the phase array. Specifically, centrally located antennas use shorter traces while peripheral antennas use longer traces, with each trace length optimized for its specific position. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating unnecessary power loss in central traces while maintaining phase consistency through position-specific optimization rather than uniform length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of trace length from a uniform value to position-dependent values. By adjusting trace lengths based on antenna position (shorter for central, longer for peripheral), the system optimizes power efficiency while maintaining phase coherence through the controlled parameter variation across different locations in the array.
2Loss of energy
If different trace lengths are used to reduce power loss, then power efficiency is improved, but phase variations and signal degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designing position-specific trace lengths that account for the spatial distribution of antennas in the phase array. Each antenna position receives a trace length optimized for its location, with central antennas using shorter traces and peripheral antennas using longer traces. This local optimization maintains phase accuracy while improving power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-configuring the optimal trace lengths for each antenna position before deployment. The system determines the appropriate trace length for each position based on its location in the array, allowing the phase variations to be compensated in advance through design rather than requiring real-time correction.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform trace lengths are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to increased power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing position-dependent trace lengths that optimize signal quality for each antenna location. While this increases manufacturing complexity compared to uniform traces, the improvement in signal-to-noise ratio justifies the additional complexity. The system achieves better reliability through localized optimization of trace lengths for central versus peripheral antenna positions.
4Loss of energy
If shorter traces are used for centrally located antennas, then power loss is reduced, but trace length precision requirements increase to maintain phase coherence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different trace length specifications to different antenna positions. Central antennas receive shorter traces with optimized length, while peripheral antennas receive longer traces. This position-specific approach reduces overall power loss while managing precision requirements through localized design rather than demanding high precision across all traces uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the optimal trace lengths for each antenna position during the design phase. By calculating and specifying the appropriate trace length for each position beforehand, the system reduces the need for high-precision adjustments during manufacturing, as the optimal lengths are established in advance based on position rather than requiring post-manufacturing calibration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and associated methods for improved beamforming of the phase array antenna are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a communication system for wireless signals has a phase array antenna having a plurality of individual antennas and a plurality of electrically conductive traces. The individual traces electrically connect corresponding individual antennas with a transmitter. The lengths of individual traces Ti, Tk satisfy equation Abs ((Ti−Tk) mod (λ))<λ/B, where λ is a wavelength of the wireless signal and λ/B is a fraction of λ.