Phased Array Coupler Circuit for Low-Loss Beam Pattern Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array systems face challenges in accurately adjusting phase shifting and amplitude weighting due to power divider stages causing signal loss, which affects beam pattern properties and requires high gain amplifiers to compensate, risking signal oscillation.
Innovation Solution
A coupler device is introduced, comprising a tunable amplifier and a coupler, which converts input signals into intermediate signals with controlled phase differences, and includes power dividers, baluns, variable gain amplifiers, and a coupler to manage signal power and phase effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power divider stages are used to distribute signals in phased array systems, then signal distribution to multiple antenna elements is achieved, but signal loss increases affecting beam pattern properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupler device as an intermediary component between the power divider and antenna elements. This coupler receives the divided signal and redistributes it to multiple antenna elements with controlled phase differences, acting as a mediator that recovers signal strength and enables precise beamforming control after the initial power division
Solution Approach 2:
The signal distribution function is segmented into two stages: first, the power divider distributes signal to multiple paths; second, the coupler further distributes and phases the signals to individual antenna elements. This segmentation allows each stage to perform its function optimally while maintaining overall system control
2Power
If high gain amplifiers are used to compensate for signal loss from power dividers, then signal strength is restored, but signal oscillation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler device serves as an intermediary that redistributes signal power through controlled coupling between antenna elements. This approach restores effective signal strength for beamforming without requiring high-gain amplification, thereby avoiding the oscillation risks associated with high-gain amplifiers
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler combines signals from multiple power divider outputs and redistributes them to antenna elements with specific phase relationships. This merging and redistribution approach maintains signal strength through constructive interference and controlled power distribution rather than amplification
3Manufacturing precision
If phase shifting and amplitude weighting are adjusted to achieve desired beam patterns, then beam control accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes signals to multiple antenna elements, controls phase differences between elements, and enables beamforming operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate phase shifters and amplitude controllers for each antenna element, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise beam control
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a coupler device for use in a phased array system. The coupler device includes a tunable amplifier and a coupler. The tunable amplifier is configured to convert an input signal to a first intermediate signal and a second intermediate signal. The coupler is coupled to the tunable amplifier. The coupler includes a first input port receiving the first intermediate signal, a second input port receiving the second intermediate signal, a first output port outputting a first output signal, and a second output port outputting a second output signal. A phase difference between a first phase of the first intermediate signal and a second phase of the second intermediate signal is a fixed phase angle.