Phase Array Receiver Using Transconductors for Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase array receivers in RF beam forming structures face challenges in achieving a simple structure, wide band signal processing, and improved linearity, particularly in minimizing side lobes and optimizing component count and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A phase array receiver design incorporating multiple antennas, low-noise amplifiers, phase shifters, transconductors, a frequency mixer, a transimpedance amplifier, and a reception controller, which processes RF signals by amplifying, phase-shifting, converting to current signals, and controlling gain to enhance linearity and minimize side lobes, while allowing for passive frequency mixing and reduced component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If RF beam forming structure is used, then device complexity is reduced and routing is simplified, but linearity and side lobe control are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using transconductors to convert voltage signals to current signals, and employs different current conversion ratios for different antenna elements to control side lobes. This parameter transformation approach maintains the simple RF beam forming structure while improving linearity and side lobe control through electrical parameter optimization.
2Reliability
If multiple transconductors with different current conversion ratios are used, then side lobe removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different current conversion ratios to different transconductors based on their specific antenna element positions and side lobe characteristics. Each transconductor is optimized locally to control side lobes from its corresponding antenna, rather than using a uniform approach across all elements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If passive frequency mixer is used, then power consumption is reduced, but signal processing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transconductors as intermediary components between the RF amplification stage and the passive frequency mixer. These transconductors convert voltage signals to current signals and provide gain control, enabling the passive mixer to process a wider range of signals effectively while maintaining low 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
The design enables efficient processing of wide band signals with improved linearity and reduced side lobe interference, achieving a compact implementation with controlled beam direction and gain, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The frequency mixer converts the frequency of the plurality of RF current signals to generate a mixed current signal. The frequency mixer may include a passive frequency mixer that generates a mixed current signal having a lower output frequency band than a sum of a plurality of RF current signals based on the local oscillation signal.
Implementation Method 2
The low-noise amplification unit amplifies the RF signal to generate a plurality of RF amplification signals.
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of phase shifters adjusts the phases of the plurality of RF amplified signals to generate a plurality of RF phase adjustment signals.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a phase array receiver. A phase array receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of antennas, a plurality of low-noise amplifiers, a plurality of phase shifters, a plurality of transconductors, and a frequency mixer. A plurality of low-noise amplifiers amplify RF signals received from the plurality of antennas. The plurality of phase shifters adjusts the phase of the RF signals to generate a plurality of RF phase adjustment signals. The plurality of transconductors convert a plurality of RF phase adjustment signals into a plurality of RF current signals based on the gain control signal. The frequency mixer converts a sum of the plurality of RF current signals into a mixed current signal. According to the inventive concept, the linearity of the signal processing may be improved and the area for the implementation of the phase array receiver may be reduced.