Phased Array Antenna Beam Steering Using Hybrid Optical Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional true-time delay techniques for phased array antennas require a large number of micro-ring resonators, leading to increased complexity and power consumption, especially as the number of antenna elements increases, which is not scalable for future communication requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid control mechanism using a tunable laser light source and waveguides with chromatic dispersion, combined with group delay controlling units, to independently control beamforming in two dimensions, reducing computational complexity and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional true-time delay techniques using micro-ring resonators are used to control phased array antenna elements, then beam steering capability is achieved, but device complexity increases linearly with the number of antenna elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delay control function into two independent dimensions: fast axis delay control using micro-ring resonators and slow axis delay control using optical path length adjustment. This segmentation allows each dimension to be controlled independently, reducing the overall complexity from a full 2D array of micro-ring resonators to a hybrid approach where only one dimension requires these complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second control dimension by utilizing optical path length adjustment through waveguides with different chromatic dispersions. This adds a spatial dimension to the delay control mechanism, allowing beam steering in one dimension to be achieved through simple path length variations rather than requiring complex active delay elements for each antenna element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional true-time delay techniques using micro-ring resonators are used to control phased array antenna elements, then beam steering capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power consumption burden by assigning different energy requirements to different control dimensions. The fast axis control using micro-ring resonators handles one dimension of beam steering, while the slow axis control using passive optical path length adjustment handles the other dimension, significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to using active delay elements for all antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a low-power control dimension by utilizing optical path length adjustment through waveguides. This passive or low-active method provides delay control for one dimension without requiring the continuous power consumption associated with active delay elements like micro-ring resonators for all antenna elements.
3Productivity
If the number of antenna elements is increased to meet future communication requirements, then communication capacity is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam steering control into two independent dimensional controls, allowing the system to scale to larger antenna arrays without proportionally increasing computational complexity. Each dimension can be controlled independently with simpler calculations, making the system scalable to future communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simplified control dimension using optical path length adjustment that reduces the computational burden. By separating the control into two dimensions with different complexity levels, the system can handle larger antenna element counts without overwhelming computational requirements.
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 simplifies control mechanisms, reduces processing requirements, and lowers power consumption while maintaining precise beam steering capabilities for phased array antennas, making it suitable for future communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a modulator configured to modulate the optical beam with the signal to be transmitted
Implementation Method 2
waveguides with chromatic dispersion, combined with group delay controlling units, to independently control beamforming in two dimensions
Implementation Method 3
phased array antennas (PAAs) may allow steering of transmitted Radio Frequency (RF) beam using beam forming techniques
Data Source
AI summary
Transmitting and receiving apparatuses, transmitting and receiving methods, and a transceiver for a phased array antenna are provided. The transmitting apparatus may comprise a laser light source configured to provide an optical beam comprising one or more spectral components. The transmitting apparatus may comprise a modulator configured to modulate the optical beam with a signal to be transmitted. The transmitting apparatus may comprise one or more group delay controlling units configured to add one or more controllable time delays to the one or more spectral components. Further, the transmitting apparatus may comprise a plurality of waveguides each having a chromatic dispersion configured to guide the optical beam, wherein the laser light source is tunable to control time delays added by the plurality of waveguides.