Phased Array S11 Detection for Reflected Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large phased array antennas in millimeter wave (mmW) systems experience high reflection coefficients (s11) leading to PA failure and inefficient power consumption due to antenna element coupling, affecting overall performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for detecting active return loss in phased array antennas using current sensors and voltage generators to measure and control reflected power, enabling the disabling of high s11 antenna elements, thereby improving reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate power amplifier and phase shifter are used for each antenna element, then the phased array system achieves full signal control capability, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power amplifier and phase shifter functions into a single integrated transimpedance amplifier circuit. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the phased array's full signal control capability through the unified amplifier's ability to perform both power amplification and phase shifting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The transimpedance amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a power amplifier and a phase shifter. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability
2Device complexity
If integrated transimpedance amplifiers are used to reduce complexity, then device complexity decreases, but accurate detection of amplifier non-linearity and group delay becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by injecting test signals through the transimpedance amplifier before actual operation. This preliminary action characterizes the amplifier's non-linear behavior and group delay properties in advance, storing this information for use during normal operation, thereby making accurate detection feasible despite the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the output of the transimpedance amplifier is monitored and fed back to the control system. This feedback enables real-time detection and compensation of non-linearity and group delay effects, allowing accurate measurement and correction even in the integrated architecture
3Power
If conventional power amplifiers are used, then signal transmission capability is maintained, but non-linear distortion and group delay affect signal fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback to continuously monitor the output signal and compare it with the input signal, detecting non-linear distortion and group delay in real-time. This feedback information is then used to adjust the amplifier's operation or apply digital signal processing corrections, thereby maintaining signal fidelity while preserving transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transimpedance amplifier allows dynamic adjustment of operating parameters such as gain, bandwidth, and impedance matching. By changing these parameters based on signal conditions, the system can optimize the balance between power output and signal fidelity, reducing non-linear effects while maintaining transmission capability
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
Enhances PA reliability and reduces power consumption by actively managing high s11 conditions, preventing damage and optimizing beamforming performance in large phased array systems.
Implementation Method 1
a transimpedance amplifier converts the current into a voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods for detection of active return loss for an antenna element of a plurality of antenna elements of a phased array antenna are provided. An exemplary device can convert a voltage differential at an input of a power amplifier (PA) to first current. The device can convert a coupled voltage corresponding to a signal transmitted from the PA to a respective antenna element, to a second current. The device can convert a reflected voltage corresponding to a signal reflected from the respective antenna element, to a third current. The device can convert the first current, the second current, and the third current to an output voltage at a generator output. The device can further have a controller that can adaptively generate codebooks for transmission based on the output voltage.