Phased Array Beam Steering Using Binary Logic Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering technologies face challenges in efficiently steering and combining beam shapes in phased arrays, particularly with 1-bit phase shifters and sub-½ wavelength spacing, requiring significant computational resources for adaptive processing and null creation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine and implement phase shifts in each element of a phased array to simultaneously form, steer, and combine beam shapes using binary logic operations, such as AND, OR, and XOR, to create augmentation patterns that modify beam shapes, gain levels, and place nulls, reducing computational requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adaptive processing algorithms are used to create virtual nulls and process beam return data, then interference rejection capability is improved, but computational resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores lookup tables containing phase shift values and beamforming weights for various steering angles and null positions before operation. During actual beamforming, the system simply queries these pre-computed tables rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thereby achieving adaptive interference rejection with minimal computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simplified models and approximations to replicate the effects of full adaptive processing. By creating virtual representations of the beam patterns and interference scenarios, the system can determine null positions and phase shifts through simpler computational methods that yield sufficient performance without requiring extensive computational power.
2Device complexity
If 1-bit phase shifters with sub-½ wavelength spacing are used in phased arrays, then device complexity is reduced, but beam steering precision and control flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple 1-bit phase shifters in parallel for each antenna element, effectively merging their contributions to achieve finer phase control. By coordinating the output of multiple coarse-resolution phase shifters, the system synthesizes the equivalent performance of a higher-resolution phase shifter without requiring more complex individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the 1-bit phase shifters dynamically, using lookup tables that map desired beam directions to specific combinations of phase shifter states. By adjusting which phase shifter configurations are selected based on the required steering angle and null position, the system achieves precise beam control despite the limited resolution of individual phase shifters.
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 allows for adaptive processing and beam steering with reduced computational demands, enabling efficient beam shaping and null placement without the need for extensive onboard computer resources, and can be extended to n-bit phase shifters.
Implementation Method 1
The diffraction pattern shows how the combined wave energies interfere (both constructively and destructively) in all directions.
Implementation Method 2
Beam forming and beam steering could be described as a diffraction (or interference) pattern that concentrates transmitted energy in a specified direction.
Implementation Method 3
Some beams are steered electronically, where the phase angles of the radiating elements are adjusted to alter the diffraction pattern and thus change the direction of focused energy.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention, in its various aspects and embodiments, comprises a variety methods and apparatuses. The methods variously determine the delay (or phase shift) in each element of a phased array to simultaneously form, steer and/or combine a set of beam shapes. The apparatuses include apparatuses that implement the methods as well as apparatuses that employ such methods. The invention also includes a beam controlled by such methods.