Antenna Phase Center Weighting for Sub-Pitch RF Scene Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF scene projection systems face limitations in resolution due to the physical properties of antennas, such as lattice spacing and distance from a receiver, leading to higher hardware costs when attempting to increase resolution by using more antennas.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses sub-elemental control of antenna phase center locations, allowing for precise control and smooth movement of the projected scene by shifting antenna phase centers to locations between antenna positions, using weightings based on distances and non-uniform aperture illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of antennas is increased to improve resolution, then the fundamental resolution of projected objects is improved, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual antenna phase center locations by computationally synthesizing signals from multiple physical antennas. Instead of physically placing antennas at every desired resolution point, the system copies and combines signals from existing antennas with different weightings to create virtual phase centers at intermediate positions, achieving higher resolution without proportionally increasing the number of physical antennas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (amplitude and phase weightings) of existing antennas to dynamically control the apparent phase center locations. By adjusting these parameters, the system can shift and refine the effective position of phase centers to achieve sub-elemental resolution control without adding more physical antennas
2Measurement precision
If antenna density is increased to improve resolution, then the fundamental resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each physical antenna in the array serves multiple functions: it contributes to multiple virtual phase center locations simultaneously through different weighting combinations. This multi-functionality allows the same physical antenna to participate in creating multiple resolved positions, reducing the need for additional antennas and simplifying the overall system architecture
3Measurement precision
If antennas are placed closer together to improve resolution, then the fundamental resolution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial dimension (physical antenna spacing) to electrical dimension (signal weighting and phase control) to achieve resolution improvement. Instead of relying on tighter physical spacing which demands higher manufacturing precision, the system uses electrical parameter control to achieve sub-elemental resolution, effectively moving the resolution control to a different dimension that is easier to precision-control
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for projecting a scene using sub-elemental control of antenna phase center locations is disclosed. The system and method may include an antenna array configured to transmit the projected scene including a plurality of antenna phase center locations. The system and method may include a controller operatively coupled to the antenna array. The controller may be configured to determine antenna phase center location weightings corresponding to the plurality of antennas based on distances between perceived/desired lateral positions of particular antenna phase center locations and an actual lateral position of the particular antenna. The antenna phase center location weightings may be configured to shift the projected scene a shift distance that is less than an antenna pitch between the plurality of antennas.