Phased Array Subarray Allocation for Lower-Complexity Multi-Beam Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-beam phased array antennas are highly complex and costly due to the need for a large number of circuit components, making them inefficient in terms of cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam phased array antenna system is designed with a controller that assigns disjoint subsets of subarrays to different beams, using subarray beamforming circuitry to adjust RF signals based on beam weights, allowing for simultaneous communication with multiple entities by reducing the number of circuit elements per subarray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-beam phased array antennas use a large number of circuit components to achieve multiple simultaneous beams, then communication capability with multiple entities is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple subarrays, where each subarray can be independently assigned to different beams. This segmentation allows the system to form multiple simultaneous beams by controlling different subarrays, reducing the need for complex circuit components while maintaining multi-beam capability. The controller dynamically assigns subarrays to beams based on communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic subarray assignment where the controller can reassign subarrays to different beams in real-time based on communication needs. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the antenna to adapt to changing communication requirements without requiring dedicated hardware for each beam, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If conventional multi-beam phased array antennas use more circuit components to maintain effective communication, then communication reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each subarray is designed to be multi-functional, capable of serving different beams at different times. The same physical subarray hardware can be assigned to different beams dynamically, making the circuit components universal rather than dedicated to specific beams. This universality maintains communication reliability through adequate signal processing while reducing the total number of circuit components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (beam weights, subarray assignments) dynamically rather than changing physical hardware configuration. By adjusting beam weights and subarray assignments through software control, the system maintains reliable communication without requiring additional circuit components for each communication scenario.
3Productivity
If the system dynamically reassigns subarrays and beam weights for make-before-break communications, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary subarray assignment and beam weight calculation before switching between communication beams. This preliminary preparation enables smooth make-before-break transitions where the next beam configuration is pre-computed and ready, allowing rapid switching without compromising communication efficiency. The controller prepares beam weights in advance based on predicted communication requirements.
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
The system achieves reduced cost and complexity while maintaining effective communication capabilities, enabling make-before-break communications with multiple entities by dynamically reassigning subarrays and beam weights, thus optimizing performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the radio waves radiated by each individual radiating element combine and superpose with each other, adding together (interfering constructively) to enhance the power radiated in desired directions
Implementation Method 2
cancelling (interfering destructively) to reduce the power radiated in other directions
Implementation Method 3
circuitry that applies appropriate amplitude and/or phase adjustment of signals received and/or transmitted by the radiating elements
Implementation Method 4
to steer the radio beam electronically to point in different directions
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-beam phased array antenna system includes a beamformer responsive to control signals to convert between a plurality of subarray signals and a plurality of beam signals. The system also includes a plurality of subarrays to communicate a plurality of beams corresponding to the plurality of beam signals. Each subarray includes a plurality of radiating elements. Each subarray also includes subarray beamforming circuitry responsive to respective beam weights to adjust RF signals communicated with the radiating elements, and convert between the adjusted RF signals and one respective subarray signal. The system further includes a controller that determines two or more beams, wherein the two or more beams are the same communication type. The beamformer assigns disjoint subsets of subarrays to each of the determined two or more beams. The controller also provides the beam weights for each of the plurality of subarrays and provides the control signals to the beamformer.