Phased Array PCB Signal Multiplexing for Compact Beam Steering

Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array antennas face challenges in achieving a cost-efficient and compact architecture that maintains robust performance, particularly in applications like satellite communication systems, where reducing the complexity and number of printed circuit board (PCB) layers is necessary to lower manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A distributed multiplexed control and element signal architecture is implemented, where a shared signal path carries both control and element signals across the PCB, using diplexers and signal adjustment circuits to manage phase and amplitude adjustments, thereby reducing the number of PCB layers and overall complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate control signal paths and element signal paths are used for each antenna element, then reliable beam steering control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to more PCB layers and routing circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering control reliabilityVSAvoidPCB layer complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate control signal paths and element signal paths into a single multiplexed path. Control circuits receive both control signals and element signals through shared transmission lines, reducing the number of PCB layers from potentially 10+ layers to 4-6 layers while maintaining reliable beam steering control through frequency-division multiplexing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes transmission lines serve multiple functions by using them to carry both control signals and element signals. The same physical infrastructure (PCB traces and vias) is used for different signal types, eliminating the need for dedicated separate routing paths and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate control signal paths and element signal paths are used for each antenna element, then reliable beam steering control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional PCB layers and routing circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering control reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate control signal paths and element signal paths into a single multiplexed path. Control circuits receive both control signals and element signals through shared transmission lines, reducing the number of PCB layers from potentially 10+ layers to 4-6 layers while maintaining reliable beam steering control through frequency-division multiplexing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes transmission lines serve multiple functions by using them to carry both control signals and element signals. The same physical infrastructure (PCB traces and vias) is used for different signal types, eliminating the need for dedicated separate routing paths and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact phased array antenna architecture is implemented, then space utilization is improved, but signal routing complexity increases making it difficult to maintain robust performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna system volumeVSAvoidsignal routing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate control signal paths and element signal paths into a single multiplexed path. Control circuits receive both control signals and element signals through shared transmission lines, reducing the number of PCB layers from potentially 10+ layers to 4-6 layers while maintaining reliable beam steering control through frequency-division multiplexing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes transmission lines serve multiple functions by using them to carry both control signals and element signals. The same physical infrastructure (PCB traces and vias) is used for different signal types, eliminating the need for dedicated separate routing paths and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12183976B2Circuit architecture for distributed multiplexed control and element signals for phased array antenna

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 VIASAT INC

AI summary

The phased array antenna system is described. The phased array antenna system formed on one or more layers of a printed circuit board (PCB). The phased array antenna system be may include a beam forming network to convert between one or more element signals and a beam signal. The phased array antenna system may include one or more control circuits, where each control circuit may receive the element signals for corresponding antenna element. Each of the control circuits may further may establish a control signal path and an element signal path between the antenna elements and the beamforming network, where the signal path may carry multiplexed element and control signals. The control circuits may include a signal adjustment circuit that may adjust the corresponding element signal (e.g., in phase or amplitude) based on the control signal.