Phased Array Antenna Fast Beam Searching via Omnidirectional Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mm-wave communication systems face challenges in fast beam searching and alignment due to the need for highly directional beamforming antennas, which complicates the process of finding and aligning with transmitter beams efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming an omnidirectional radiation pattern using a group of antenna elements from multiple phased array antennas and employing a binary search operation to identify the best antenna element for alignment, reducing the search complexity from N to log 2(N) phased array antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If highly directional beamforming antennas are used to compensate for high attenuation in mm-wave frequency band, then transmission range is extended, but beam searching and alignment process becomes complicated and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the beam searching process into two distinct phases: (1) initial omnidirectional search using a single antenna element to quickly identify the best direction, and (2) subsequent directional refinement using the phased array in that specific direction. This segmentation reduces the overall searching complexity by avoiding exhaustive search across all directions with full phased array complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary omnidirectional beam searching using a single antenna element before engaging the full phased array for directional communication. This preliminary action identifies the optimal direction in advance, allowing the phased array to focus its computational resources on refining the beam in that specific direction rather than searching all possible directions.
2Measurement precision
If exhaustive beam searching is performed to find the best alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but searching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam searching process is divided into two segments: an initial coarse search phase using omnidirectional radiation from a single antenna element to identify the best direction, followed by a refinement phase using the phased array in that specific direction. This segmentation achieves high alignment precision while significantly reducing the time required compared to exhaustive search with the full phased array.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary omnidirectional search to identify the best direction before performing precise beam alignment using the phased array. This preliminary action eliminates the need for exhaustive directional scanning, achieving both fast searching and high alignment precision by focusing computational effort only after the optimal direction is identified.
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 expedites the beam searching process, reducing complexity and improving alignment efficiency in mm-wave communication systems by forming a uniform antenna array with single elements from multiple phased array antennas and using a binary search to identify the optimal antenna element.
Implementation Method 1
forming an omnidirectional radiation pattern by a group of antenna elements including a one antenna element from each of one or more phased array antennas
Implementation Method 2
searching for one antenna element in the group according to a combined signal strength of each antenna element in the group
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to technology for beam searching. Beam searching includes forming an omnidirectional radiation pattern by a group of antenna elements including one antenna element from each of one or more phased array antennas. In response to detection of beams from a transmitter, searching for one antenna element in the group according to a combined signal strength of each antenna element in the group; and enabling a phased array antenna with the one antenna element to align with the beams.