Phased Array Transmitter Phase Control via I/Q and LO Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array transmission systems face limitations in precisely controlling the direction of electromagnetic signal transmission due to fixed delay lines and low phase accuracy, especially at high frequencies, which restricts the ability to steer the radiation pattern effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phased array transmitter with vector modulators, an in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) signal generator, and a multiphase generator allows for precise control of output phases by adjusting both the magnitude ratios of I/Q signal pairs and the phases of local oscillator (LO) signal phases applied to vector modulators, enabling more accurate direction control of the transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed delay lines are used to implement different delays, then the structure is simple, but the main lobe cannot be steered to different directions during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable-delay delay elements that can dynamically adjust their delay values during operation, enabling the main lobe to be steered to different directions. This transforms the static fixed delay line structure into a dynamic system where delay parameters can be changed without physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the delay parameter values of the delay elements electronically rather than through physical structural changes. By allowing delay parameters to be varied during operation, the system achieves beam steering capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable-delay delay elements are used to enable beam steering, then adaptability is improved, but phase accuracy and resolution deteriorate, particularly at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phase control function into multiple independent delay elements, each contributing to the overall phase shift. By dividing the total phase adjustment into discrete segments controlled by individual delay elements, the system achieves both beam steering adaptability and improved phase accuracy, as each segment can be precisely controlled without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial phase adjustment through multiple delay elements rather than relying on a single variable-delay element. By distributing the phase control across multiple components, each operating within their optimal accuracy range, the system achieves superior overall phase accuracy while maintaining full beam steering capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable-delay delay elements are used to enable beam steering, then adaptability is improved, but phase resolution deteriorates, limiting the ability to precisely adjust transmission direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase resolution requirement into multiple discrete delay elements, each providing fine-grained phase adjustment. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall phase resolution by combining the precise control of multiple individual elements, enabling precise adjustment of transmission direction while maintaining beam steering adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array transmitter includes a plurality of vector modulators, an in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) signal generator, and a multiphase generator. The output phases of the plurality of vector modulators, and hence the direction of transmission of the phased array transmitter, are set and controlled by adjusting both the magnitude ratios of I/Q signal pairs generated by the I/Q signal generator and applied to I and Q inputs of the plurality of vector modulators and phases of a plurality of local oscillator (LO) signal phases generated by the multiphase generator and applied to LO inputs of the plurality of vector modulators. Setting and controlling the output phases of the vector modulators by varying both the magnitude ratios of the I/Q signal pairs and the phases of the LO signal phases allows the output phases of the plurality of vector modulators to be more precisely set and controlled than if the output phases were to be set and controlled only through the LO paths or only through the I/Q signal paths of the plurality of vector modulators.