Phased Array Antenna Dynamic Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna resource sharing techniques struggle with non-deterministic transmission and reception tasks, as scheduling-based approaches are difficult to implement in such scenarios, leading to inefficiencies in antenna utilization.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allow multiple transmit/receive assignments to share antenna resources by intelligently switching between states using a block diagram comprising channel units, contention logic, a beam compatibility matrix, a switch matrix, and an antenna configuration manager, which allocates resources based on priority and beam compatibility, enabling rapid configuration and efficient use of antenna resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If scheduling-based approaches are used to share antenna resources, then antenna utilization is improved, but the system becomes difficult or impossible to use with non-deterministic transmission and reception tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna utilizationVSAvoidcompatibility with non-deterministic tasks
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic antenna resource allocation by transitioning from static scheduling to a state-machine-based dynamic allocation system. The transmit/receive assignments are modeled as finite state machines that can dynamically request and release antenna resources based on real-time needs, allowing the system to adapt to non-deterministic tasks while maintaining high utilization through continuous resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service antenna resource allocation where transmit/receive assignments automatically manage their own resource needs through state transitions. Each assignment's finite state machine independently determines when it needs antenna resources and when it can release them, eliminating the need for complex centralized scheduling while improving adaptability to non-deterministic patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If antenna resources are shared among multiple concurrent user connections, then resource efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing resource allocation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna resource management into independent finite state machines for each transmit/receive assignment. Each state machine independently manages its own resource requests and releases, breaking down the complex centralized allocation problem into simpler, autonomous units that collectively achieve efficient resource sharing without requiring complex inter-coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary resource allocation mechanism that uses standardized state transitions as a mediation protocol. Instead of direct complex interactions between multiple user connections, the finite state machines use standardized request and release states that act as intermediaries, simplifying the management complexity while enabling efficient multi-user resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If rapid reconfiguration of antenna resources is implemented, then wait periods are reduced, but the system complexity for managing state transitions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewait periodsVSAvoidstate transition management
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the finite state machine structures and transition rules for each transmit/receive assignment before runtime. The possible states and transitions are established in advance, allowing the system to rapidly execute pre-planned resource allocation decisions without complex real-time calculations, thus reducing wait periods while managing complexity through pre-computation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by transitioning between discrete states in the finite state machines, where each state represents a specific resource allocation configuration. This discrete parameter-based approach allows rapid reconfiguration through simple state transitions rather than continuous adjustments, reducing wait periods while keeping the management system relatively simple through standardized state parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2654334B1Phased array antenna and assignment method
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 RAYTHEON CO
  • EP2654334B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2654334B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2654334B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed subject matter relates to techniques for allowing multiple transmit/receive assignments to share antenna resources in an efficient manner. The techniques may be used with, for example, transmit/receive assignments that are nondeterministic in nature. In some implementations, transmit/receive assignments each have a corresponding priority value. Transmit/receive assignments are permitted to contend for available antenna resources based, at least in part, on priority.