Phased Array Transceiver Delay Elements for Spatial-Frequency Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array transceivers face challenges in simultaneously achieving effective spatial and frequency filtering, particularly in managing interference and noise across varying frequencies and angles, which affects beamforming and beam steering performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of delay elements in the front-end circuit that operate concurrently as both beam formers and finite impulse response filters, combined with tunable delay lines and variable gain elements, allows for simultaneous spatial and frequency filtering, enhancing beamforming and interference suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate beamforming and frequency filtering circuits are used, then functional independence is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines beamforming and frequency filtering functions into a single integrated circuit that processes signals from multiple antenna elements. The same hardware infrastructure (delay elements, signal paths) is used to perform both spatial beamforming operations and frequency-domain filtering operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate independent circuits while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it conducts beamforming to spatially filter signals from different directions while simultaneously implementing frequency filtering to suppress interference at specific frequencies. This multi-functional approach allows a single circuit to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Ease of operation
If delay elements are used for beamforming, then spatial filtering is achieved, but frequency filtering capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The delay elements in the beamforming circuit are configured to also provide frequency filtering functionality. By appropriately setting the delay values and combining signals from multiple antenna elements through these delay elements, the circuit achieves both spatial beamforming (directing beams in specific directions) and frequency selectivity (suppressing interference at particular frequencies), making the same components serve dual purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for beamforming and filtering. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of antenna elements; and a front-end circuit connected to the antenna elements, the front-end circuit including a plurality of delay elements. The delay elements may be configured to provide beam forming; and to operate as delay elements in a finite impulse response filter.