Phased Array Antenna Orientation Using Directional Performance Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems using phased array antennas face challenges in maintaining effective communication due to environmental obstructions and signal attenuation, as they do not adequately consider the directional characteristics of the antennas during installation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A communication system is configured to generate and utilize a communications performance map that evaluates and characterizes the local environment based on directional beam characteristics of phased array antennas, allowing for optimal orientation and positioning to improve signal quality and reduce obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If phased array antenna is installed with fixed orientation by installer, then installation simplicity is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to environmental obstructions and signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic boresight adjustment mechanism that allows the phased array antenna to adapt its orientation based on real-time environmental conditions. The system uses a controller to receive feedback about obstructions and signal quality, then automatically adjusts the boresight direction to maintain optimal communication, resolving the contradiction between fixed installation simplicity and communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where the controller continuously monitors communication quality and environmental obstructions, then adjusts the boresight orientation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the antenna to automatically compensate for environmental factors, maintaining reliable communication without requiring complex manual installation procedures.
2Device complexity
If phased array antenna uses electronic beamforming only, then mechanical complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates in determining optimal boresight orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation adjustment mechanisms with electronic beamforming and software-based boresight adjustment. The controller electronically reconfigures the phased array elements to adjust the boresight direction, eliminating the need for precise mechanical positioning while maintaining orientation accuracy through digital signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the electrical parameters (phase and amplitude) of signals fed to each antenna element to change the beam direction and boresight orientation. By modifying these electrical parameters rather than physical positions, the system achieves precise orientation control without mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If phased array antenna operates without considering directional characteristics, then operational simplicity is improved, but communication performance deteriorates in obstructed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning and characterization of the communication environment to identify obstructions and optimal signal paths before actual communication begins. The controller uses this advance information to pre-adjust the boresight orientation and beamforming parameters, ensuring optimal performance from the start of communication without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system may be configured to consider directional beam characteristics in the operation of a phased array antenna, such as during installation of, positioning or orienting of, or communications using a phased array antenna. In some examples, a communication system may be configured to generate a communications performance map for evaluating or characterizing a local communications environment relative to directional characteristics of a phased array antenna, and such a performance map may be used to establish various boundaries or directional thresholds for performing communications operations. In some examples, directional characteristics of a phased array antenna, or a communications performance map thereof, may be used for evaluating when to reposition or reorient the phased array antenna, such as when the phased array antenna is provided with a generally fixed orientation by an installer, or when the phased array antenna leverages a combination of physical positioning and electronic beamforming.