Phased Array Beamforming via Row-Column Signal Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array technologies face challenges in reducing design complexity and controlling phase shifts for beamforming and beamsteering, particularly in arrays with small pitch distances and MEMS elements, where integrating electronic components becomes difficult.
Innovation Solution
A phased array beamforming and beamsteering method using a row/column approach with continuous driving of transducers, employing multiplication of signals at fractions of the desired frequency to generate output signals, and determining phase shifts through non-linear convex optimization, such as quadratic programming, to reduce complexity and minimize dynamic power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional phased array beamforming is used with direct driving at the desired frequency, then beamforming precision is maintained, but design complexity and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming process into two independent stages: (1) generating base signals at reduced frequencies f1 and f2 with preliminary phase shifts, and (2) multiplying these base signals to produce the final transmit signal at frequency F. This segmentation allows phase calculations to be performed at lower frequencies, reducing computational complexity while maintaining beamforming precision through the multiplicative combination of phased base signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from the desired high frequency F to lower fraction frequencies f1 and f2 for the base signals. By performing phase shift operations at these reduced frequencies and then multiplying the results, the system achieves the equivalent effect of direct high-frequency phase control but with reduced computational burden and power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If phase shifters are integrated for each transducer element, then beamsteering control is precise, but integration becomes difficult in arrays with small pitch distances and MEMS elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex phase shifting function from individual transducer elements and relocates it to the base signal generation stage. Instead of integrating phase shifters with each transducer, the system generates two phased base signals at frequencies f1 and f2, then multiplies them to achieve the desired phase control at frequency F. This extraction simplifies transducer integration while maintaining precise beamsteering control.
3Reliability
If continuous driving of all transducers is implemented, then beamforming performance is optimized, but dynamic power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using continuous wave (CW) base signals at frequencies f1 and f2 that are multiplied to generate the transmit signal. This continuous operation at optimized frequencies maintains beamforming performance while reducing dynamic power loss compared to traditional pulsed high-frequency driving, as the multiplication process inherently filters out unwanted frequency components.
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 significantly reduces design complexity and dynamic power loss while enabling precise beam control, applicable in near-field and far-field scenarios, including electromagnetic and acoustic beams, with potential applications in ultrasound, RF, and wireless energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
generating an output signal for each of the driven set of transducers based on a multiplication of the respective first and second signals of the corresponding column and row. The first and second frequencies are fractions, a and b, of the predetermined frequency of the transmit beam, with the following conditions: f1 = a * F; f2 = b * F; and a + b = 1.
Data Source
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AI summary
Phased array beamforming and/or beamsteering method and device, for forming a transmit beam at a predetermined frequency and focusing the transmit beam in the near field. The method comprises: applying first signals to first nodes of the columns of the driven set of transducers, the first signals having a first frequency and being at a first phase shift with respect to each other; applying second signals to second nodes of the rows of the driven set of transducers, the second signals having a second frequency and being at a second phase shift with respect to each other; generating an output signal for each transducer based on a multiplication of the respective first and second signals of the corresponding column and row. The first and second frequencies are fractions of the predetermined frequency, such that the output signal is at the predetermined frequency as a result of the multiplication.