Phased Array Antenna Phase Synchronization for Deformed Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular antenna deformations lead to distorted radiation patterns, increased interference, and reduced network performance due to phase alterations in phased array antennas, especially in wireless communication systems, where maintaining a focused main lobe and minimizing side lobes is crucial for optimal coverage and capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving wireless synchronization of phase signals across radiating elements using a common source, with phase shift units and time delay units to compensate for spatial displacements and maintain phase coherence, ensuring a flat curvature of the wave front and synchronization of output signals regardless of element location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cells are deployed to provide desired network coverage, then network coverage is improved, but network throughput and capacity suffer due to cellular antenna deformations and cell-to-cell interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the phase of signals at each antenna element based on measured spatial displacements. The system modifies the phase parameter in response to aperture deformations, allowing the antenna array to maintain proper beamforming performance despite physical deformations, thereby preventing capacity degradation while maintaining coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the spatial displacement of antenna elements and using this information to adjust phase compensation. The system measures the actual positions of antenna elements and feeds this information back to the phase shift units, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal performance despite deformations and prevents interference issues
2Speed
If the number of antenna elements is increased to provide a narrow antenna beam, then beam directivity is improved, but the number of phase errors increases and the array fails to focus the main lobe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase parameter dynamically based on the measured spatial displacement of each antenna element. By adjusting the phase in response to actual positions, the system compensates for positioning errors and maintains proper focusing even with a large number of elements, thereby achieving both high directivity and tolerance to manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compensating for phase errors before signal transmission. The system measures spatial displacements and calculates the required phase compensation in advance, applying these corrections to each antenna element's signal to ensure proper focusing and eliminate phase errors before they affect beam formation
3Weight of moving object
If light weight antennas are used, then portability is improved, but the structure becomes weaker and the shape or flatness of the antenna array is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase parameter to compensate for shape deviations from a flat aperture. By measuring the actual spatial displacement of each element and adjusting the phase accordingly, the system maintains proper wavefront coherence even when the physical aperture is deformed, thereby enabling the use of lighter, more flexible structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing individualized phase compensation for each antenna element based on its specific spatial displacement. Rather than requiring uniform flatness across the entire aperture, the system allows each element to have its own phase adjustment, accommodating local shape variations while maintaining overall system performance
4Adaptability or versatility
If temperature or environmental conditions change, then environmental adaptability is improved, but the aperture deforms and antenna elements shift from their original positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring spatial displacements caused by environmental changes and adjusting phase compensation in real-time. The system measures the actual positions of antenna elements under various environmental conditions and feeds this information back to the phase shift units, maintaining stable performance despite aperture deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the phase compensation adaptive and dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adjusts phase parameters in response to changing environmental conditions and measured spatial displacements, allowing the antenna array to dynamically adapt to temperature changes and maintain proper performance
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 stabilizes the antenna beam, reduces interference, and maintains optimal radiation patterns even with deformed apertures, enhancing network performance and capacity by ensuring all radiating elements operate in phase, thus improving coverage and reducing cell-to-cell interference.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a synchronization signal wirelessly from a common source at the rear facing side of the array antenna
Implementation Method 2
compensating a change in phase of the synchronization signal at the first radiating element based on a spatial displacement to synchronize phase
Implementation Method 3
all the antenna elements may radiate in phase
Implementation Method 4
causing the deformed phased array antenna to form an antenna beam having a misshaped main lobe
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for forming an antenna beam from an array antenna having a rear facing side, an aperture, and including a first and a second radiating element. The method comprises injecting a synchronization signal wirelessly from a common source at the rear facing side of the array antenna to provide an initial calibration of the array antenna that synchronizes phase of an output signal from the first and second radiating elements to the common source. The method further comprises compensating a change in phase of the synchronization signal at the first radiating element based on a spatial displacement to synchronize phase of a first portion of the output signal from the first radiating element to the phase of the synchronization signal at the second radiating element in response to the spatial displacement of the first radiating element after the initial calibration of the antenna array. A synchronization source may couple to the phased array antenna wirelessly, such as optically or using radio frequency based coupling. To synchronize a portion of an output signal from a plurality of radiating elements, a phase shift unit and/or a time delay unit at each radiating element may lock its phase to a synchronization signal from a common or a point source regardless of a location thereof relative to the synchronization source. In this way, a synchronization source may synchronize the phase of the phased array antenna even if one or more radiating elements may move from an original spatial location to any arbitrary position.