Phased Array RF Beamforming Without Power Combining Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF beamforming architectures face challenges such as large area consumption and substantial power loss due to the use of power combining and splitting networks, which degrade gain and increase noise figure in phased array applications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring beamforming devices to operate in a voltage or current domain instead of a power domain, eliminating the need for power combining or splitting networks, and simplifying calibration processes by using a single mixer pair and clustering driver amplifiers and phase shifters proximate to the mixer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power combining and splitting networks are used in conventional RF beamforming architectures, then beamforming functionality is achieved, but area consumption increases and power loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-domain beamforming (which requires physical power combining/splitting networks) with voltage-domain beamforming. This substitution eliminates the need for complex power combining and splitting networks, thereby reducing area consumption and power loss while maintaining beamforming functionality through voltage-level signal processing and combining.
2Quantity of substance
If power combining networks are used stage-by-stage, then power distribution is achieved, but area consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes voltage-domain signal distribution for power-domain distribution. Instead of using stage-by-stage power combining networks that consume large area, the system distributes voltage-level signals through simpler routing and combines them at the output, achieving the same power distribution capability with significantly reduced area consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of power distribution and signal processing into a unified voltage-domain architecture. By combining voltage signals directly without intermediate power combining stages, the system achieves efficient power distribution across multiple antenna elements while minimizing the area required for distribution networks.
3Ease of operation
If conventional RF phase rotators with power combining networks are used, then phase control is achieved, but power loss increases and gain degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional RF phase rotators that use power combining networks with voltage-domain phase control mechanisms. This substitution maintains precise phase control capability while eliminating the power loss and gain degradation associated with traditional power-domain phase rotation, as voltage-level phase shifting does not require lossy power combining operations.
4Quantity of substance
If power splitting networks are used in beamforming architectures, then signal distribution is achieved, but substantial power loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes voltage-domain signal distribution for power-domain splitting. Instead of using power splitting networks that incur substantial power loss, the system distributes voltage-level signals through low-loss routing and combines them constructively at the output, achieving the same signal distribution capability with minimal power loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a beamforming device. A device may include at least one receive path; and an amplifier coupled to an output of each receive path. The device configured to process each a signal from each receive path in at least one of a voltage domain and a current domain.