Planar Crossover-Free Beamforming Network for 2D Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antenna systems are bulky and complex, making it difficult to create a small, thin, and planar two-dimensional beamforming network that can electronically or optically steer signals in two dimensions, which is essential for applications like 5G communications and LiDAR systems.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional beamforming network architecture is developed, where an array of antennas is disposed in a non-linear pattern on a single surface with a crossover-free design, allowing for a true time delay system with a one-dimensional array-side and beam-side interface, enabling two-dimensional field of view and beam steering without signal crossovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional phased array antenna systems are used, then beam steering capability is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional bulky beamforming networks to a two-dimensional planar architecture. The antenna elements are arranged in a 2D array on a planar substrate, and the beamforming network is collapsed into a 2D configuration with signal flow confined to a single plane, eliminating the need for vertical stacking and reducing overall system volume while maintaining full 2D beam steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamforming network is segmented into independent modular units that can be individually designed and integrated. Each antenna element connects to the beamforming network through dedicated feedlines that are routed without crossings, creating modular signal paths. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex 2D beamforming functionality through simpler, more manageable components.
2Volume of moving object
If a planar two-dimensional beamforming network is created, then system size is reduced, but signal crossover and interference problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves signal crossover problems by confining all signal flow to a two-dimensional plane where feedlines can be routed in a hierarchical manner without intersections. The signal propagation is organized into distinct layers and zones within the 2D plane, allowing multiple signal paths to coexist without interference, thus eliminating the need for vertical routing that would cause crossovers in 3D configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate signal routing structures that act as mediators between antenna elements and beamforming components. These intermediate feedline configurations include isolation structures and routing patterns that prevent direct signal interference while maintaining electrical connectivity, effectively mediating between the need for compact 2D integration and the requirement to avoid signal crossover.
3Manufacturing precision
If crossover-free design is implemented, then signal distortion is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by organizing all feedline routing within a 2D plane using systematic patterns such as tree structures and hierarchical routing. This 2D confinement allows standard planar fabrication techniques to be used without requiring complex 3D routing or through-substrate vias, making the crossover-free design more manufacturable while maintaining low signal distortion through controlled impedance paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system has a two-dimensional field of view, yet can be implemented on a surface, such as on electronic or photonic integrated circuits. The antenna system includes an array of antennas disposed in a predetermined non-linear pattern and a two-dimensional beamforming network (BFN). The antenna system can be steered/selectively beamformed in two dimensions through beam port selection. The beamforming network is disposed entirely on a single first surface. The beamforming network has a one-dimensional array-side interface disposed on the first surface and a one-dimensional beam-side interface disposed on the first surface. The antennas of the array of antennas are individually communicably coupled to the array-side interface. Segments of the beam-side interface map to respective pixels in the two-dimensional field of view.