Polarimetric Phased Array Transceiver for Dual-Polarization Scalability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current integrated phased array systems for millimeter-wave communications do not support dual-polarization communications, are inflexible, and not scalable to large numbers of elements, leading to significant weight and size issues with non-integrated solutions.

Innovation Solution

A polarimetric transceiver front-end with two receive paths and a single transmit path, featuring a transmit/receive switch that minimizes noise figure impact, allowing for simultaneous reception and transmission in two polarizations, and a power combiner to combine and split signals, enabling scalable and flexible dual-polarization communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-integrated solutions are used for dual-polarization communication, then dual-polarization capability is achieved, but weight and size increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-polarization capabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the transmit path and two receive paths into a single shared infrastructure using a dual-polarized antenna and common phase shifters. The transmit/receive switch merges the TX and RX signals at the antenna interface, while the power combiner/splitter merges the signal paths at the RF front-end, eliminating the need for separate discrete modules for each polarization and function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase shifters are designed to serve multiple functions: they control both transmit and receive beams, and they operate across both polarizations. The power combiner/splitter provides universal signal handling by combining receive signals from both polarizations and splitting transmit signals to both polarizations, replacing multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-integrated solutions are used for dual-polarization communication, then dual-polarization capability is achieved, but device size increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-polarization capabilityVSAvoidsize

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If integrated phased array systems are used, then device size is reduced, but dual-polarization capability and flexibility are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesizeVSAvoiddual-polarization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system is segmented into distinct functional blocks: a dual-polarized antenna element, a transmit/receive switch, a power combiner/splitter, phase shifters, and LNA. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration, enabling dual-polarization capability within a compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the integrated system have specialized properties: the antenna is optimized for dual-polarization radiation patterns, the switch is optimized for low-loss TX/RX switching, the power combiner/splitter is optimized for signal combining with minimal interference, and the phase shifters are optimized for beamforming control. This local optimization maintains versatility while achieving integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If discrete modules are used for transmit and receive paths, then design flexibility is improved, but noise figure impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidnoise figure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transmit/receive switch acts as an intermediary between the transmit path and receive paths, providing isolation that prevents transmit signals from leaking into the sensitive receive paths. The power combiner/splitter serves as an intermediary that combines receive signals while maintaining proper impedance matching and isolation, minimizing noise figure impact through careful design of the signal combining network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10983192B2Scalable polarimetric phased array transceiver

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Polarimetric transceiver front-ends and polarimetric phased array transceivers include two receive paths configured to receive signals from an antenna, each including a respective variable phase shifter. A first transmit path is connected to the variable phase shifter of one of the two receive paths and is configured to send signals to the antenna. A transmit/receive switch is configured to select between the first transmit path and the two receive paths for signals. The transmit/receive switch has an element that adds a high impedance to the transmit path when the transmit/receive switch is in a receiving state.