Phased-Array Transceiver Antenna Layout for Sidelobe Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Phased-array transceiver systems face challenges in minimizing interference-inducing side lobes of radiation patterns, especially when scaling to higher frequencies, due to the impracticality of filling the entire package surface with antennas at λ/2 spacing, leading to large systematic spaces between antenna elements and increased sidelobes.
Innovation Solution
The antenna elements are arranged in a non-uniform manner across sections of the circuit layout, with selections ensuring no more than M2-N2M+1 consecutive empty positions, allowing for minimized sidelobes and simplified routing between integrated circuitry and antennas, while maintaining a predetermined spacing threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If antenna elements are arranged in a uniform pattern at λ/2 spacing, then radiation pattern side lobes are minimized, but large systematic spaces between antenna elements increase sidelobes when scaling to higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from a uniform antenna arrangement to a non-uniform arrangement where different sections of the antenna array have different spacing patterns. Specifically, the patent divides the array into sections with different numbers of antenna elements (e.g., first section with 8 elements, second section with 7 elements, third section with 6 elements), creating local variations in density and spacing that reduce systematic void regions while maintaining overall coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by deliberately creating an asymmetric distribution of antenna elements across the package surface. The non-uniform pattern breaks the symmetry of traditional uniform grids, preventing the formation of regular periodic structures that cause constructive interference in side lobe directions. This asymmetric arrangement redistributes the radiation energy more evenly across the angular spectrum.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire package surface is filled with antennas at λ/2 spacing, then sidelobes are minimized, but routing between integrated circuitry and antennas becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces routing complexity by creating local quality variations in the antenna distribution. By concentrating antenna elements in specific sections with different densities, the patent creates natural grouping patterns that simplify the interconnection architecture. Integrated circuitry can be strategically positioned near high-density sections, reducing the average routing distance and complexity compared to a fully uniform distribution requiring comprehensive interconnects across the entire package.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-uniform antenna arrangement is used, then sidelobes are reduced and routing is simplified, but consecutive empty positions may exceed uniform spacing patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the spacing parameter across different sections of the antenna array. Instead of maintaining a constant λ/2 spacing throughout, the patent modifies the effective spacing by changing the number of elements per section and their specific positions. This controlled parameter variation reduces the formation of systematic void regions that cause high sidelobes, while the variations are designed to prevent excessive consecutive empty positions from forming.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, devices and apparatuses directed to transceiver devices are disclosed. In accordance with one method, a first set of antenna positions in a first section of a set of sections of a circuit layout for the circuit package is selected. The method further includes selecting another set of antenna positions in another section of the circuit layout such that an arrangement of selected antenna positions of the other set is different from an arrangement of selected antenna positions of a previously selected set of antenna positions. The selecting another set of positions in another section is iterated until selections have been made for a total number of antennas. The selecting the other set is performed such that consecutive unselected positions in the other section do not exceed a predetermined number of positions. In addition, antenna elements are formed at the selected positions to fabricate the circuit package.